What's on | September 2011

8/4/2019 What's on | September 2011

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September 2011Issue 401

ALSO INSIDE: Fish n chips, Al Murray,new bars to try and we talk to Beady Eye

+ WIN! A TRIP TO THE W DOHA WITH FLIGHTS

FIND YOUR

PERFECTSPORT

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3/84SEPTEMBER 2011 WHATS ON 3

ContentsFeatures15Find the sport for youHow long have you beenmeaning to get back intothat sport you loved so muchas a teenager? Well, theweather is cooling, the newsports seasons are starting now is the time

21Al MurrayOne of Britains mostsuccessful comedians,better known as The PubLandlord, talks to us aboutmisconceptions, weird gigsand more before his three-night sell-out run in Dubai

23Five new bars to tryThirsty? Drink up our round-

up of the citys best new bars

26Beady EyeFormer Oasis frontmanLiam Gallagher reveals thathe enjoys super cuddlesahead of his new bands gigthis month. Hes changed

24Fish n chips: testedTheres always controversywhen it comes to judging aclassic dish, but we bravedthe harsh debate to bringyou our verdict on Dubaisbest fish nchips

p26

p24

GETTYIMAGES


4/844 WHATS ON SEPTEMBER 2011

8SalaamRumours, news, must-

visit events, whats hot,whats not and more

13Win, win, winDo we have someexciting prizes for youlucky pups this month?How about a weekendaway in swanky hotel?Yeah, that should do it

28Film

The only opinionyou need to read onthis months moviereleases, including thelong-awaited Captain

AmericaandRise OfThe Planet Of The Apes,the absurdly premisedCowboys And Aliens,

Friends With Benefits,Conan The Barbarian,The Smurfs andFinal

Destination 5

31Eating outOur verdict on the newmenus at Bord Eau andCaf Chic, chatting witha salt sommelier, thenewMad Men lunchat Ruths Chris SteakHouse, railway-themedburger joint GrandCentral, fine Indiandining at Mahec, TheCritic on buffets, ourmonthly Twitter recipe,

food news and latestrestaurant openings

39ArtsDutch-born snapperErwin Olaf on his newshot at Carbon 12Gallery, five must-seeexhibitions and TheInsider on the growinginfluence of the Interneton the art world

The round up43ShoppingAll the latest offerings

from the regionsstores, new openings,how to fold a pocketsquare and the insand outs of personalshopping

47Mind & bodyFive of the best deeptissue massages, spanews, the solution to abeauty dilemma and atantalising giveaway

51Sport & outdoorFencing lessons, andMr Fitness answers allyour well-being woes

55Club diaryThe club scene returnswith a vengeance thismonth with the dXbBeach Festival

59TravelForty-eight hours inIstanbul, plus travelswith award-winningPalestinian film-makerNajwa Najjar, bargainbreaks and ourspanking new travelclinic with terribly well-travelled Open Skieseditor Conor Purcell

65

Hot listThe definitive list ofDubais best bars,brunches, restaurantsand spas

82BackchatDubai 92s Tom andDan prepare for onehalf of the duosimminent departure.Sad times

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p51


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Editor's note

This month we've been...

Learning how tofence, p51Finding Dubais sports clubs, p15

Testing fish n chips, p24

Sport, where Im from, consists of one thing: football. In the

north-east of England, youre either a football fan, or youre

someone whos just visiting the north-east of England. Even now,thousands of miles away from England, my life still pretty much

revolves around football, and more specifically Sunderland AFC.

Dont even think of planning anything with me on a Saturday

Saturday is football day, Sunderland are playing, so Im busy.

Actually, the way the English game is these days, thanks to

satellite TV, Sundays and Mondays are also football days, and

then theres the midweek fixtures, and cup games and, well,

you get the picture. Its not just me you try calling my house back home on match day

and chances are the only person who'll answer the phone will be my mam, and even then shell

probably tell you to call back after the game.

Here in the Emirates, there is, thankfully, more on offer. Sport in Dubai represents not just a

chance to watch games, but to get involved and that means a chance to make new friendsand fill your weekends with something other than malls and brunches. From rugby to running,

badminton to basketball, and, yes, football too, if theres sport going on in Dubai, well show

you how to get involved, join the team and where to buy the T-shirt.

If all thats sounding a tad energetic for you, then worry not, there are plenty of other

distractions to keep you going this month, including comedian Al Murray, our round-up of

Dubais best fish n chips, and we chat to (well, the bits I could print, anyway) erstwhile Oasis

singer and now Beady Eye frontman, Liam Gallagher.

Enjoy the issue.

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Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

Editor-in-ChiefObaid Humaid Al Tayer

Group Editor & Managing Partnerlan Fairservice

Group Senior EditorGina Johnson | [email protected]

Senior EditorMark Evans | [email protected]

Deputy EditorHelen Spearman | [email protected]

Features & Food EditorGareth Rees | [email protected]

Features Editor, Abu DhabiAdam Workman | [email protected]

Sta WriterMatt Priest | [email protected]

Chief Sub EditorIain Smith | [email protected]

Senior DesignerSheila Cario-Deocareza | [email protected]

Editorial Co-ordinatorConcessa Dsouza | [email protected]

Editorial Assistant/Picture ResearcherJing Flores | [email protected]

Picture Researcher GulfpicsWayne Fernandez | [email protected]

ContributorsVictor Besa, James Brennan,

Louise Browne, Tom Bushell, Stephen Cheetham,Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine

Jarvie, Dan Marsh, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell,Conor Purcell, Sarah Joan Ross, Farooq Salik,

Paul Sterry

Senior Production ManagerSunil Kumar | [email protected]

Production ManagerSudhakar Chandran | [email protected]

Production Supervisor

Murali Krishnan | [email protected]

General Manager Group SalesAnthony Milne | [email protected]

Advertisement ManagerVarsha Bhatia | [email protected]

General Manager, Abu DhabiJoe Marrit | [email protected]

Senior Advertisement Manager, Abu DhabiDarryl Wiley | [email protected]

Senior Sales Executive, Abu DhabiHamdan Bawazir | [email protected]



SALAAM

Life in Dubai, in bite-sized chunks

Salaam!

We're ocially part of the Twitterati.Follow us @WhatsOnDubai forexclusive updates on nightlife,restaurants and more around theUAE. Tweet yourself.

Whats not

It was announced that rapper50 Cent was playing Dubaithis month. Yay. But then hecancelled. Boo. From hot tonot in one swift contractual

argument.

ANATHEMA

If you like your music dark and sinister, then Britishmetal band Anathemas next gig is a must.Sept 8, Jumeirah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel,Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs200 to Dhs400.

Tel: (050) 9110600. anathema.ws

Whats hot

Motorists will be given 30 per

cent o their trac nes forthree months, starting thismonth. Pay up while its cheap,and dont do it again. This means you.

Dubai has ocially optedout of bidding for the 2020Olympic Games. Never mind,maybe 2024?

The architect behind SaudiArabias Kingdom Tower inJeddah, claims that it willbe 3,381ft tall - thats around50 storeys bigger than the Burj

Khalifa.

EMIRATI EXHIBITION

SOMALIAN AID

DISCOUNTED FINES

2020 OLYMPIC GAMES

50 CENT

The Sheikh Mohammed CentreFor Cultural Understanding

has announced that permanentexhibitions showcasing Emiraticulture could soon be set up in many of thecitys malls.

In response to the terribledroughts aicting the Africancountry, the UAE is sendinghumanitarian aid to refugeecamps in Somalia.

THIS

MONTH

WE'RE

GOING

TO...

Guess listRounding up the UAEslatest rumours this month

40%

10%

50%

EMINEMWe have it on very goodauthority that MarshallMathers will be heading ourway very soon. Expect the slimshady one to doing his thingsomewhere big probablyYas Island.

BRITNEYSPEARSUnquestionablypop royalty,Britney, accordingto our insider, will beheadlining at a sporting eventnear you soon, although we cant say what.Sporting event, yeah? Have a think. Cars? Fastcars? Oh, OK, the F1 shell be headlining theF1 after-race events. Were rubbish with secrets.

NEW DUBAI MARINA RESTAURANTSGood news for foodies in Dubai Marina,as were told that both Ruths ChrisSteak House and Roka will be opening

branches up that end of town. RuthsChris is set to open at The AddressDubai Marina apparently the deal is

done all but the signature on thecontract while Roka, which

is part of the Zuma family,are actively looking for

premises.

BIG BUILDINGS



Find us at

www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai

GRAND GALA BALLET

Get your culture x by going to see the brilliantBulgarian Soa Ballet.Sept 14 to 17, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah,Dubai, 8pm, Dhs180 to Dhs195. Tel: (04) 3666546.

madinattheatre.com

DUBAI SPORTS WORLD

Football. Beach volleyball. Table tennis. They're allavailable at this pop-up summer sports facility.Until Sept 10, Dubai International Convention AndExhibition Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04)

3086333. dwtc.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGEAaron Kim, professional jazz musician

VampirekingLong before Robert Patterson et al, Dracula

was the main vampire on the block. As plucky

amateur theatre company Backstage puts its

own spin on Bram Stokers masterpiece this

month, we look at our favourite adaptations of

the original of king of vampires

Nosferatu(1922)Wonderfully eerie silent movie classic from the

1920s. A masterpiece of German expressionism.

Dracula(1958)If there were ever a denitive performance fromChristopher Lee, it would be this.

Bram Stokers Dracula(1992)Francis Ford Coppola, Anthony Hopkins, Gary

Oldman and Winona Ryder. Good show.

Count von Count(1972)Sesame Streets resident vampire is probably the

nicest bloodsucker youll ever come across he

sure does count a lot though.

Interview With The Vampire(1994)With a cast consisting of Brad Pitt, Tom

Cruise and Antonio Banderas, this is

certainly the best-looking telling of a

vampire tale. Until Twilight, of course.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall(2008)OK, so its not exactly a vampire ick, but the

vampire puppet show at the end is amusing and

shows Draculas more lighthearted side.

Sept 15 to17, Kilachand Auditorium, DUCTAC, Mall

Of The Emirates, Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs50. Tel:

(04) 3414777. ductac.org

WIN!A balloon flight

After shutting down for the summer,

those adrenaline junkies over at Balloon

Adventures are back, so were giving

away two hot air balloon ights to watch

the sunrise. Dont say that we dont

spoil you. For your chance to win, email

[email protected] with

balloon in the subject line and tell us:Which gas do you put into

party balloons?

a) Helium

b) Oxygen

c) Gasoline

Live musicThe Blue Bar at the Novotel

World Trade Centre hotel is

a great place to see regular

live jazz acts. Denitely worth

checking out.

Blue Bar, Novotel World Trade

Centre Hotel, World Trade Centre,

Dubai, 2pm to 2am. novotel.com

De-stressIf Ive had a particularly stressful day, one of my favourite

things to do is go-karting at the Autodrome.

Dubai Autodrome, Motorcity, Dubai, Dhs110 for 15 minutes.

Tel: (04) 3678744. dubaiautodrome.com

Eating outI love the burgers at Shake

Shack. The Shack Stack burgerhas to be one of the best I have

ever eaten.

Shake Shack, Mall Of The

Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10am

to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3475513.

shakeshack.com

Music societyThe Fridge in Al Quoz puts on a

series of concerts from October

to May with both local and

international artists playing

everything from classical to

contemporary jazz its a great

community to be a part of.

The Fridge, 26 Street, Al Quoz 4, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3477793. thefridgedubai.com

ShoppingWhen Im looking to

buy music, I go to

Virgin. It might sound

obvious, but its the

record shop with the

biggest selection of

jazz music.

Virgin Megastore, Mall

Of The Emirates and

The Dubai Mall, Dubai.

virginmegastore.me



SALAAM

IN THE NEWS

NEW SPEED LIMITSAVES LIVES

Since the speed limit on the Abu Dhabi toDubai highway was cut by 20km/h to 140km/h,back in April, accidents on the road linking the

two emirates have dropped 30 per cent,compared to last years figures.

62 ACCIDENTSFROM APRIL TO JULY 201190 ACCIDENTS FROMAPRIL TO JULY 2010

T-PainName: Faheem NajmFamous for: Auto-tune rapsAwards:Two GrammysPopular tracks: Good Life ft. Kanye West, Blame It ft. Jamie Foxx

Theres a trio of international music stars ying in tocelebrate Eid at the Shoppiesta festival this month

Triple star turn

Sean PaulName: Sean Paul HenriquesFamous for: Jamaican R&BAwards:American Music Award, Grammy, two MOBOsPopular tracks:Get Busy, Like Glue, Gimme The Light

Sept 4, Shoppiesta, Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Dhs100 toDhs1,500. Tel: (04) 3588 911. shoppiesta.com

Kelly RowlandName: Kelendria RowlandFamous for: Founding member of Destinys ChildAwards:Two GrammysPopular tracks:When Love Takes Over, Dilemma ft. Nelly

DestinysChild

TVpresenter

Producer Auto-tunerapper

JamaicanR&B

Shaggylook-a-like

STORMYWEATHER

The UAE is currently looking for a wayto increase rainfall, with the National Centre

For Meteorology & Seismology using planes to facilitatecloud growth. Experts believe cloud seeding can increase the

expected annual rainfall by

10 - 15%

How many bottles of water do you drink aday? Environmental research organisation

Worldwatch Institute claims that the UAE goesthrough 275 litresof bottled water per personevery year the highest per capita in the world.

Messageinabottle


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ECT MK-9985 UAE WHATS ON MAG ISSUE/POST DATE SEPT 11

ABU DHABI

AL WAHDA MALL 971.2. 4437213

MARINA MALL 971.2.6811464

DUBAI

DEIRA CITY CENTRE 971.4.2943057

THE DUBAI MALL 971.4.3399472

KUWAIT

360 MALL (OPENING SOON)

ARMANIEXCHANGE.COM/UAE


12/84

Now open!The Dubai Mall

Ground Floor

A unique French art de vivre

MoE: 04 341 4844 - DCC: 04 295 8404 - Burjuman: 04 351 7009 - Mercato: 04 349 9115 Wafi City: 04 327 9669 - JBR, The Walk: 04 437 6494Mirdif City Center: Tel. 04 284 3223 - The Dubai Mall: Tel. 04 339 8036 - Dubai Airport - T3: 04 220 3360 - Dubai Intl Airport - T1: 04 224 5526



WIN!AFTERNOONTEAS AND A CULINARYJOURNEY AT SOFITELDUBAI

Take a tasty tour of theSofitel Dubai, with thesewaist-widening prizes. Tocelebrate the new menus

at the hotels restaurants,we have a Culinary Journeyfor two people, allowing thehungry winner and a friend to dinein AOC, Rococo, Plantation and The Hub andmore, all on September 28. Were also treating onewinner and three friends to the Friday afternoontea at Plantation, where youll find a traditionalspread with a French twist. For your chance to winthese fantastic feeds, answer this questionWhich of the following is not usually foundat an afternoon tea?a) Sconesb) Miniature sandwiches

c) Butter chicken

A trio of treats for your competitive pleasures

WIN!WIN!WIN!

A luxury city break is closer than you think,with this weekend escape at the W Doha home to stylish restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten,the hottest nightspots in the city, and theregions rst Bliss Spa. One lucky winner anda friend will live it up with the New York IsJust 5 Minutes Away package, kicking back orparty hard, enjoying a W suite for the night,

breakfast for two, Friday brunch at SpiceMarket restaurant, poolside relaxation at Wet,including a couple of drinks, then a privatecabana at Wahm lounge before moving ontonightclub Crystal for the full VIP treatmentand your own table. Youll even receive anafter-party munchie box and 6pm check outthe next day. Wowsers.

The trip also includes return ights withydubai. Since its rst ight in June 2009,ydubai Dubais pioneering low-cost airline has been dedicated to making travel alittle less complex, a little less stressful and alittle less expensive. The airline now ies to

WIN!A LUXURY BREAK AT THE W DOHA, PLUSFLIGHTS WITH FLYDUBAI

more than 40 destinations across the MiddleEast, Asia, Africa and the fringes of Europe,allowing more people to travel to moreplaces, more often. All fares are one way andinclusive of taxes, plus one piece of handluggage weighing up to 7kg and a smallhandbag or laptop bag. Customers then payfor any extras they want, such as checkedbaggage, which starts at Dhs50 for 20kg, or

a seat with extra legroom for Dhs100. The in-ight entertainment also means passengerscan now watch movies and TV programmesonboard, as well as play games or listen tomusic. For more information and a full list ofdestinations, visit ydubai.com.If youd like the chance to win this fantasticmini-break, simply tell usDoha is the capital of which country?a) Qatarb) Kuwaitc) Kazakhstan

WIN! BIO SCULPTURENAIL TREATMENTS ATNIVEA HAUSAre your nails a mess?Are you in desperateneed of pampering?Weve teamed up withluxurious sanctuary NIVEA

Haus to sort out the digitsof some needy winners, withone Bio Sculpture French manicure, two colourmanicures and three everlasting manicures togive away. Bio Sculpture uses layers of colour,sealed by UV light, so theres no waiting around,no danger of smudging, and it lasts for weeks.For your chance to win beautied nails, youllhave to get this question right:What colour are the tips of your nails whenyou have a French manicure?a) Whiteb) Redc) Black

To enter

any of these fantasticcompetitions, just email

[email protected] the name of the prize in the

subject line and the correctanswer to the

relevantquestion


14/84



FIND THESPORTFOR YOU

Have you been planning to pickup a tennis racquet, polish ofyour old footie boots or bringthat faithful cricket bat out ofretirement? Well, as the summerheat slides away, and the newsports season is upon us, now isthe time to sign up

RUNNINGTheres nothing more primal thanputting one foot in front of theother quickly. And there are

plenty of opportunities to run in Dubai

LEARN TO RUN

If you cant run (many cant, surprisingly),Urban Energy will teach you from scratch,dealing with your gait, form and breathing,aiming to take you to a standard where you canrun at least 5km comfortably.

Urban Energy, Dubai, Dhs50 per session.Tel: (055) 8869158. urbanenergyfitness.com

JOIN A CLUBDUBAI ROAD RUNNERS

Every Saturday evening at 6.30pm, Dubai RoadRunners meets to run one or two laps of SafaPark (3.43km per lap). Each runner predicts hisor her time, and the closest wins a prize.Safa Park, Jumeirah, Dubai, Sat 6.30pm, Dhs5.Tel: (050) 6243213. dubai-road-runners.com

ABRAS AC

is club is not for beginners, and members

have to be able to run at least 8km. You canattend three free group sessions, held onMondays and Wednesdays, before deciding to

join the club.Various locations, Dubai, Mon and Wed 6.30pm,annual membership Dhs400. E-mail: [email protected]. abrasac.org

DUBAI CREEK STRIDERS

If youre serious about long distance runningand you dont want to run alone, the DubaiCreek Striders club meets every Friday for alengthy running session.Opposite Novotel World Trade Centre, Dubai,

Fri 6am, free. dubaicreekstriders.com

SIGN UP FOR A RACEIFTAR CHALLENGE 2011If you are a beginner, this 5km race, organisedby Dubai Creek Striders, would be the idealstart to your competitive running career.Sept 21, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, Dhs50.

premiermarathons.com

ABRAS MINA 10KM SERIES RACE 1Its expensive, but weve run this 10km race,organised by the ABRaS running club, and itwas a morning well spent. Sign up now andyoull have almost two months to work oncutting down your time before race day.Oct 28, Le Mridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &Marina, Dubai, Dhs295. premiermarathons.com

RAK HALF MARATHON 2012Weve run the RAK Half twice and, even thoughthe course is pretty dull, its a superb event with

competitors ying in from around the globe totake part, and a real carnival atmosphere.Feb 17, 2012, Near Manar Mall, oppositeCity Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs150.premiermarathons.com

DUBAI MARATHON

e Dubai Marathon has what is perhaps themost tedious course imaginable, but its anexciting event and the only option for anyonewanting to give the full 26.2 miles (42.195km)a go. Were warning you, though its tough.Jan 27, 2012, Dubai, Dhs370. Tel: (04) 4335669.dubaimarathon.org

ESSENTIALKIT:

RUNNINGTRAINERS

CRICKETThe gloriousthump ofleather on

willow can be heardacross Dubai all year round

JOIN A LEAGUEDUPLAYS

Whether youre a star all-rounder in searchof a team, or a group of eight in need ofcompetition, Duplays can either nd you a team

or provide your cricketing crew with a place inits twice-weekly eight-a-side outdoor league.Deadline for team applications is September 10,with the league set to begin on September 21.You can sign up online now. Howzat?Sept 21 to Nov 9, Dubai Modern High School,Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Mon and Wed 7pm to10.30pm, individual Dhs600 per season, teamDhs5,000 per season and Dhs15,000 per year.Tel: (04) 4472394. dubai.duplays.com

PLAY A ONE-OFFFRIENDLYINSPORTZ CLUB

If youre not ready to commityourself to regular weeklymatches, InSportz can help. Youand a pal can go along for a practicesession, 12 or 16 friends can play an indoor match,or InSportz can arrange for you and your buddiesto play a one-o friendly against another team.And all the equipment is provided free of charge,and an umpire is on stand-by for matches. Wedont like InSportz. We love it.Al Quoz, Dubai, Mon to Sat 9am to 11pm,practice sessions Dhs50 per person per hour,team matches from Dhs450 for eight overs.Tel: (04) 3475833. insportzclub.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

WHITES(SHIRT AND

TROUSERS), PADBOX, BAT, GLOVE

HELMET

KIT

PROVIDED


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CYCLINGIf you miss having your feet on thepedals and the wind caressing yourface, our fine emirate has it all, from

bike hire to competitive racing

JOIN A CLUBDUBAI ROADSTERS

For those of you who cravethe social aspect of sportand yearn to jump back inthe saddle, Dubai Roadsters is a group ofcity residents who just love to cycle. emembership fee is used to provide supportcars and water for three weekly rides.Sun and Tue, Nad Al Sheba, Fri 6pm to 9.30pm,Lime Tree Caf, Jumeirah Beach Road, 5.30am to7.15am, membership Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3394453.dubairoadsters.com

SIGN UP FOR A RACESPINNEYS DUBAI 92 CYCLE CHALLENGEIf youre not a complete novice, you have timeto prepare for the Spinneys Dubai 92 CycleChallenge, run by cycling organisation CycleSafe Dubai a 92km jaunt around our faircity, taking in all the major sights. It shouldbe a wheelie good day (sorry).December 16, outside Dubai Autodrome, MotorCity, Dubai, Dhs250. cyclechallenge.ae

HIRE A BIKEWOLFIS BIKE SHOP

e guys at Wols are so passionate aboutcycling that they have ten bikes available forbeginners to hire. If you decide to commit, a newroad bike will set you back around Dhs4,500.Sheikh Zayed Road, between interchange twoand three, Sat to Thurs 9am to 7pm, Dhs100 perday, Dhs400 per week. Tel: (04) 3394453. wbs.ae

ADVENTURE HQ

e new adventure sports paradise that isAdventure HQ has mountain and triathlonbikes available for hire, as well as car racks ifyoure exploring further aeld.Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,

Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Fri 10am tomidnight, Dhs100 to Dhs200 per day. Tel: (800)23836873. adventurehq.ae

FREE WEEKLY CYCLE SESSIONCYCLE, RUN AND SKATE SAFE

Not condent about riding on the roads?Unprepared for a race? Pop along to DubaiAutodrome with your trusty cycle and enjoythree hours gliding around the track forabsolutely nothing every week. Dont forgetyour helmet, or you wont be allowed to cycle.Dubai Autodrome, Motor City, Dubai, Wed 6pm,free. Tel: (04) 3678700. dubaiautodrome.com

FOOTBALLThe beautiful game is the mostwidespread sport in the Emirates,so finding somewhere to play is a

painless process

JOIN A LEAGUEDUBAI AMATEUR LEAGUE

For the full 11-a-sideexperience, this four-division beast (colloquiallyknown as the Expat League)is the smart place to start.e 2011/12 season getsunderway with friendlies thismonth, ahead of its October 2 leaguekick-o. Division Four is currently acceptingnew teams, too, should you have a stack offriends or colleagues itching to hit the pitch.

Games are played on weekday evenings, themajority at e Sevens facility on Al Ain Road.Various locations, Dubai, league registrationDhs100 per person, plus team fees.dubaifootball.com

DUPLAYS

Sports league organiser Duplays has twoseven-a-side outdoor leagues starting thismonth from September 11 and 12, especiallyrecommended for those looking to getinvolved as an individual. In addition toentering an entire team, you can opt to beplaced in one by Duplays.

Dubai American Academy, Al Barsha, Sun toWed 7pm to 11pm, Dubai, Dhs500 per individualor Dhs3,750 per team. Tel: (04) 4472394.dubai.duplays.com

DUBAI WOMENS LEAGUE

Footy is far from a lads-only pursuit nowadays.e Dubai Womens winter season starts in mid-September, with 16 seven-a-side teams across twodivisions. To join, attend a training session at JebelAli Centre Of Excellence on either Sept 19 or 26 youll be allocated to a team according to ability.Jebel Ali Centre Of Excellence, Jebel Ali ShootingClub, Jebel Ali, Dubai, membership Dhs100

per person, plus team fees. Tel: (050) 6598767.dubaiwfa.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

BIKE,HELMET

HIRE A PITCHINSPORTZ CLUB

If youre more into close controland ball skills than running severalkilometres a match, try a smallerscale option. For ve-a-side, the

Insportz Club at Al Quoz boastsve pitches, which can be hired for

casual matches.Insportz Club, Street 17a, Al Quoz, Dubai, Mon

to Sat 9.30am to 9.30pm, Dhs50 per person, perhour. Tel: (04) 3475833. insportzclub.com

SOCCER CIRCUS DUBAISoccer Circus Dubais Team Zone in MirdifCity Centre oers three pitches for hire, anda host of computerised training drills.Soccer Circus Dubai, Playnation, MirdifCity Centre, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight, pitchhire Dhs700 per hour. Tel: (800) 5347873.playnationme.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

SHIRT, SHORTS,SOCKS, SHIN PADS,

BOOTS (OR SUITABLESPORTS SHOES/

INDOOR BOOTS),GLOVES FOR

GOALKEEPERS

BACK TOSCHOOLAmong a multitude of youth footballtraining camps in the Emirates, for sheerkudos the kids are bound to gravitatetowards a soccer school endorsed byEnglish Premier League giants. ArsenalSoccer Schools new term begins onSeptember 26, teaching the expansivemethods used by the clubs manager,Arsene Wenger. Stars including Robin vanPersie visited last year, so expect similartreats this season.The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai,from Dhs1,750. Tel: (04) 8096679.playthearsenalway.com/dubai

16 WHATS ON SEPTEMBER 2011


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SOFTBALLSoftball is often unfairly regardedas baseballs lesser cousin, but itdoesnt deserve the bad rap. What

it lacks in bravado and posturing, softball

makes up in team spirit and accessibility

JOIN A TEAMDUBAI SOFTBALL LEAGUE

Helping people toget involved with

one of Dubais mostentertaining andrapidly growinggrassroots sports is theDubai Soball League.e league format,starting in September, isbroken down into three dierent divisions

catering to seasoned old hands (Mens A), andwomen and rookies who harbour dreams ofknocking their rst curveball out of the park(Mens B). ere are two seasons over thecourse of the year, with games being playedon Wednesdays, ursdays and the occasionalSaturday. Come springtime, the DSL evenhosts the Middle East Soball Championship.If this sounds like your version of the GreatDubaian Pastime, then look into joining ateam, or better yet, gather eight of your friendstogether and start your own.Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,Wed, Thurs and Sat, registration fee Dhs150 to

Dhs400 per person. Tel: (050) 6514970.dubaisoftball-league.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

A GOOD PAIR OFTRAINERS AND

A SOFTBALLGLOVE

RUGBY UNIONWith so many expats in the UAEoriginating from countries inextricablylinked with the sport,

theres no shortage of rugby

options in Dubai

JOINA CLUBDUBAI HURRICANES

While the Hurricanes rstteam is one of the regionsbest, less experienced players arestill welcome, with two mens, one veteransand two ladies sides, not to mention anextensive junior section. Training is onMondays and Wednesdays.The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai, membershipDhs1,000 per person. Tel: (050) 6266107.dubaihurricanes.com

DUBAI EXILES

A key name, well known thanks to the DubaiSevens, the Exiles operates two mens teams,a womens side, plus an extensive youth set-up. Training is Mondays and Wednesdaysfrom 6.30pm, while the club has an open dayon September 23, featuring various gamesand activities.The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai, membershipTBC. Tel: (050) 5506197. dubaiexiles.com

JEBEL ALI DRAGONS

Having shied home base last summer, the

team once known as the Dubai Dragons isexpanding for the forthcoming season. Addinga womens side to two existing mens teams and

veterans, there are also future plans for juniorrugby. ey train two nights a week.Jebel Ali Centre Of Excellence, Jebel Ali ShootingClub, Jebel Ali, Dubai, membership TBC.Tel: (050) 6579827. thedubaidragons.com

AMERICANFOOTBALL

Not a pastimefor the faint-hearted, the

USAs most punishingteam sport has toucheddown in the UAE and isalready proving popular

JOIN A CLUBUAE FALCONS

e only full-contact Gridironclub in the Emirates, UAE Falconsis testament to the multiculturalspread the sport encourages. Founded last year,its 45-player squad is made up of more than20 nationalities, uniting expats with Emiratis.

Currently seeking new players, trials for thenew season begin this month at Al IttihadSchool, next to Safa Park, while matches takeplace at e Sevens stadium. And aer 500hopefuls turned up at last years trials, the sportspopularity in the UAE is certainly in no doubt.ere is currently no league as such, but a slewof matches, including against teams from SaudiArabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, are being linedup for this season. With a lack of suppliersof full American footy garb in the Emirates,the Falcons helpfully provide all kit as part ofplayers registration fees.The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai, registration fee

Dhs2,500 for new players. Tel: (050) 1206154 or(050) 4367649. uaefalconsfootball.com

AMERICANFLAGFOOTBALLMuch like touch rugby, American flagfootball is a less brutal version of thefully-fledged sport it originates from,replacing the bone-smashing elementwith a flag in the players belts that

the opposition has to remove tostop the ball carrier from advancing.Duplays Varsity Blues mens leagueis currently open for registration foreither individuals or teams, scalingdown the full game to six-a-side,but maintaining the basics of touchdowns, field goals and the like overtwo 25-minute halves.Duplays, Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh ZayedRoad, Dubai, Tue 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs400per person or Dhs3,600 per team.Tel: (04) 4472394. dubai.duplays.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

HELMET, SHOULDPADS AND

PROTECTIVEPADDING, JERSEY

PANTS, SOCKSGLOVES, BOOTS

GUM SHIELDESSENTIALKIT:

SHIRT, SHORTS,SOCKS, RUGBY

BOOTS,GUM SHIELD

TOUCH & GOTouch rugby is a great way to enjoy the

sport fondly dubbed egg chasing. Itsessentially the same game, only six-a-side and with the bruising art of tacklingreplaced by a tap to signify when a playerhas to release the ball. Duplays Scoring

Tonight league begins this month (registerbefore September 10), with individualsgiven the option of being placed in a team.Duplays, Jumeira Baccalaureate School,Jumeirah, Dubai, Tue and Wed 7pm to11pm, Dhs450 per person, Dhs3,600 perteam. Tel: (04) 4472394. dubai.duplays.com

SEPTEMBER 2011 WHATS ON 17

KITPROVIDED


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TENNISThe UAE is the ideal place fortennis. It hardly ever rains, andthere are dozens of courts

scattered around Dubai

JOIN ALEAGUETired of acing thesame colleague everyweek? en think aboutsigning up to take part inthe Clark Francis Tennis League. eround-robin format is broken downinto various categories depending onage, gender and experience, so youshould have no problem nding yourlevel and duelling it out with someworthy opponents. Membership gives

you free reign to play on any of theirparticipating courts located in Jumeirah,Al Barsha, Wa and more.Clark Francis Tennis League, various tenniscourts. Fee Dhs225 per person.Tel: (04) 2833444. clarkfrancistennis.comPOLISH YOUR GAMEIf youve got an infuriatingly lowrst-serve percentage, then why notsign up for a few cheeky lessons? eDubai Tennis Academy oers worldclass coaching sessions taken by itsformer pros and coaches. Classes can

be tailored specically, so you caniron those kinks out of your peskybackhand.The Dubai Tennis Academy, AmericanUniversity Dubai, adult evening clinicsDhs70 for members,Dhs80 for non-members.Tel: (04) 3994539.dubaitennisacademy.comENJOY A KNOCKABOUTSome people take tennis abit too seriously. If all you

really want to do is knocka few balls about with amate, then members andnon-members alike canbook one of the ve courtsat e Aviation Club, andthe walk-in fee also coversthe use of the pool.The Aviation Club, Garhoud,Dubai, 6am to 11pm. Non-member walk-in fee Dhs250per day. Tel: (04) 2824122.aviationclub.ae

NETBALLAnyone who plays netballwill laugh of the idea that itsfriendly and girly. Viciously

quick hands and a cunning mind are the

secrets to this sport (although it doespay to be seven foot tall, too)

JOIN A LEAGUEe Dubai NetballLeague starts upagain on September28 with Wednesdaynight games ate Sevens stadiumrunning until earlyApril. Divided into three dierentleagues, the weekly event is not only agreat way to let o some steam, but also

an opportunity to socialise with otherlikeminded combatants. Just rememberto register before September 16.Dubai Netball League, The Sevens, AlAin Road, Dubai, Wed 7pm to 9pm,registration fee Dhs500 per person.dubainetballleague.comENJOY A FRIENDLYTHROW ABOUTIf youre worried that it all sounds abit too competitive, the same friendlypeople at the Dubai Netball Leagueare holding a pre-season tournament

on September 16, which is an idealplace to get involved before the seriousstuff starts.Sept 16, The Sevens, Al Ain Road, Dubai,Dhs100 per team. dubainetballleague.com

ESSENTIALKIT:

TENNISRACQUET

ESSENTIALKIT:

A GOODPAIR OF

TRAINERS

OTHER SPORTS TO TRY

ULTIMATE FRISBEEApparently frisbee is not just for the beach its aproper sport. How does one play? Well, the aim isto pass the frisbee to a team-mate in the opposite

teams end zone. Sports league organiser Duplaysruns a weekly six-a-side league. And theres onlyone way to nd out what its really all about.Sept 12 to Nov 28, Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh ZayedRoad, Dubai, Mon 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs2,700per team per season, Dhs11,700 per team per year,Dhs338 per person per season. Tel: (04) 4472394.duplays.com

BADMINTONIf you fancy giving a bunch of feathers a goodthwacking once a week, sign up to the Shuttle Fun IIIbadminton league, or just head along for a one-osession. A civilised way to close out the weekend.

September 17 to Nov 19, Raffles West Campus, UmmSuqeim, Dubai, Sat 7pm to 9pm, Dhs50, Dhs400 forten sessions. Tel: (04) 4472394. duplays.com

GOLFAL BADIA GOLF CLUB

Both group and individual lessons are available witha PGA-accredited golf pro. And during Septemberyou can take advantage of the reduced summerrates for both 18 and nine holes.Dubai Festival City, Dubai, individual lesson Dhs350,group lesson Dhs1,750 for six, 18 holes Dhs275 Sunto Thurs, Dhs375 Fri and Sat, nine holes Dhs179Sun to Thurs, Dhs279 Fri and Sat. Tel: (04) 6010101.

albadiagolfclub.ae

SQUASHA great social sport, squashs main aim smash-ing a rubber ball against a wall demands sur-prising levels of tness. There are plenty of courts

in Dubai available for hire. Here are three to try

AL NASR LEISURELAND

Two courts, with squash lessons also available.Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, 9am to11pm, Dhs50 per person, per hour. Tel: (04) 3371234.alnasrll.comSHERATON JUMEIRAH

Two courts. Flat hourly rate for up to three peopleper court.Sheraton Jumeirah Health & Beach Club, Al SufouhRoad, Dubai, 7am to 9am, Dhs150 per hour, per court.Tel: (04) 3995533. sheratonjumeirahbeach.comRADISSON BLU DUBAI DEIRA CREEK

Two courts, available to members and non-members.Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek, Bani Yas Road, Deira,Dubai, open 24 hours a day, health club day passweekdays Dhs75, weekends Dhs100, members free.Tel: (04) 2227171. radissonblu.com



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As loudmouthed

xenophobic alter ego The

Pub Landlord, Al Murray

is one of Britains most

recognisable comedians.

Whats Ontracked him down

ahead of a sold-out three-

night run of his current show,

Barrel Of Fun

Somebody always puts

their hand up and asksWhere is your pub?


You played Dubai a couple of years ago.Fond memories?I had a great time. ats why were comingback. I made it happen. Rather than do onebig gig, were doing a longer run in a smaller

room, which, personally, I nd a lot moreexciting because you can really get stuck intothe crowd.Is that intimacy lost playing larger venuesback home?Yes and no. To be honest, Ill play smallplaces if I want to. Its normally my managerwho says Were not going to make as muchmoney. But you have to do things you enjoy,otherwise why bother?Whats the weirdest place youve everplayed?e Falklands was the oddest by quite a mile.It went great, but its a very peculiar journey.

You y in a military jet with no in-ight drinksexcept for orange squash. And its the middleof nowhere.Are promoters too scared to ask you totone down your act in places like Dubai?Lets nd out, shall we? Nobody has ever satme down and said Now, listen And thereis that red-rag-to-a-bull thing with comics.Ive done corporate gigs where they say, isis what you cant talk about. You becomeobsessed and thats what the whole routineends up being about.Stereotypical British expats might sharea few views with The Pub Landlord. What

does he make of expat crowds?Hed be very pleased that theres an outpost ofcommon sense in a foreign land.Does The Pub Landlord have a favouritebar in Dubai?

Well, we ended up in Barasti last time[laughs]. Does that answer the question?Is it weird when people dont realise thesatire of The Pub Landlord character?Yeah. Although there is face value comedy aswell. But thats a Zen lesson you learn as youget older doing comedy; not everyone can getit the way you want.Whats the strangest reaction youve everexperienced?I do a Q&A at the end of the show andsomebody always well, one gig in ve putstheir hand up and asks Where is your pub?Im doing an act in a theatre, drinking fake

beer you tell me where you think mypub is! Its cute really. I like that moment.

Sep 7 to 9, The First Group Theatre,

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh,

Dubai, 8pm, Dhs250. Tel: (04) 3666546.

thepublandlord.com

GETTYIMAGES


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Feel like youve become part of thewallpaper around the same Dubaibars? Its time to break away and testout the new kids on the block

VodaThe new lounge barIt doesnt take a word nerd to gure out fromVodas name what its tipple of choice is; thatsright, its decidedly Russian. With a Kremlin-sized cocktail list. e menu, however, isanything but, featuring an expertly assembledselection of sushi to ensure you stay as stylishas the surrounds. Voda is a vision in white;1960s inspired furniture, high ceilings, starkspaces and a futuristic feel, all with a loungeysoundtrack. In short, wear anything less than

your most polished togs and youll stick outlike a fur hat at a PETA protest. A great onefor Palm people, Voda is a chic local, but a bitof a trek if you dont live on the trunk.Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, West Crescent, The PalmJumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530444

Cheers BarThe new music venueSadly, this isnt Ted Dansons foray intofranchising, but Cheers Bar is still a place where,if you move in rock circles, people will certainlyknow your name. e metal communityhas quickly adopted the new British-themed

nightspot, situated next door to Chi, with MetalAsylum hosting its birthday party there andlocal groups ghting to the death (metal) inbattle of the bands events. ink leather, denim,pool tables and speakers that go up to 11.Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, OudMetha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3379470

Nell GwynnesThe new pubDespite declaring itself as a Welsh pub, NellGwynnes is surprisingly free of stereotypicalWelsh symbols no daodils, dragons or leeks(well, maybe youll nd the leeks in a pie)

instead opting for a medieval theme. In fact,were not sure what is Welsh about it even Nellherself was actually English, but still never letthe facts get in the way of a good pub. And thatswhat Nells is a good pub in the heart of newDubai, so much so that its fast becoming one ofthe busiest spots in the Marina. And among thehistorical paintings and faux stonewalls thereare at-screen TVs showing the footy, a pooltable and darts, making this a real traditionalstyle boozer but well leave it to you to gureout where from.

Byblos Marina Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai.Tel: (04) 4488222

NineThe new ladies nightWe love the idea of an evening where the fairersex are invited to imbibe bubbles and quacocktails for free, but why are so many of thesemagical nights mid-week? It does nothing forproductivity the next day. Or so weve heard. Itseems the team at Nine have heard your pleas(and mid-morning calls to Burger King) and are

oering freebie frolics at the weekend. Hurrah.e Friday night fun involves fashion-inspireddrinks at the stylish bar, Arabian tapas thumbsup to the zaatar fries and shisha, including abubblegum avour that will give you HubbaBubba schoolyard ashbacks. is is your newweekend hangout.The Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.Tel: (04) 3118316

PulseThe new house night

Listen up old-timers. Remember Jimmy Dix? ebasement bar at the Mvenpick? Well, Jimmyhas le the building. Instead youll nd Pulse,the shiny new bar that has replaced the red vinylseats with black leather, the sports memorabiliawith chandeliers and the cheesy tunes with deephouse. A massive DJ booth rules the roost, elegantsnacks appear from the kitchen and the smartcrowd is older than your average Nasimi attendee,making this a hot spot for the well-heeled.Mvenpick Hotel, Oud Metha, Dubai.Tel: (04) 3582090

Coming soon...As the cooler weather and tourist season approach, expect more bars and clubs to opentheir doors. Heres a couple to get excited about and watch this space for more details

EmbassyAs Grosvenor Houses second toweris perfected, the top three oors willbe under particular scrutiny with clubkings watching closely from London.Embassy, a massive nightlife name, willattract Dubais party people and visitingfootballers with its famed blend of bling,VIP treatment and tunes.

MahikiA favourite with the moneyed London crowd(including the royals), Mahiki is a Tiki-themedsuper brand oering good times andlegendary cocktails. Opening at the JumeirahBeach Hotel in the space once occupied by

The Apartment, we have no doubt that Mahikiwill join the likes of The Ivy and Zuma as aninternational name to be reckoned with.

Voda Bar

5new

barsto try



Harvestersree chunks of hammour in a brittle batter,with a mountain of what appeared to be and tasted suspiciously like oven chips,complete with some pretty standard tartarsauce. A healthy portion size, mind.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 2/5 Extras: 3/5 Price: Dhs56Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, dailynoon to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 3311111

BarastiA generous portion of succulent sh and just

the right side of cooked chips is neatly presentedon a chopping board, with a substantial dollop ofdeliciously creamy mushy peas. But, if we wereto nit-pick a little, the batter could do with beinga touch crisper, please.Fish: 3/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 3/5 Price: Dhs78Le Mridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina,Dubai Marina, daily 11am to 2am. Tel: (04)3993333. lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

Left BankLe Banks demure alternative is mini shn chips. e basket of goujon-ish batteredmorsels, with just the right amount of coarse

London Fish n ChipsDespite the appealingly low price tag, thebog standard cod and chips on oer albeitwith free so drink suggest that morecompetition is required if this mall food courtstaple is going to pick up its game.Fish: 2/5 Chips: 2/5 Extras: 2/5 Price: Dhs36Various locations. Tel: (04) 4479788.londonfish-chips.com

The Irish Villagee IV, as it is aectionately known, has areputation for serving good pub grub, andthis large piece of cod, perfectly cooked andnot overpowered by the batter, does nothingto harm it. Served with traditional sides ofmushy peas, tartar sauce and chunky chips this is denitely one of our favourites.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs60The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Sat to Wed 11am to1am, Thurs to Fri 11am to 2am. Tel: (04) 2824750.irishvillage.ae

Fish & Chips RoomFish n chips, as it should be. Aseriously large piece of cod with a suitablycrispy batter not too greasy, not too so served with proper, slightly soggy, takeawaychip shop chips. Top stu.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 5/5 Price: Dhs54Sector 2, Murjan, Jumeirah Beach Residence,daily noon to 4am. Tel: (04) 4270443

Rock n Sole Plaicee Rock n Sole Plaice knows its way arounda piece of sh. e enormous chunk of codis perfectly cooked and the crispy batter has

all the hallmarks of your favourite childhoodchippie. e mushy peas were crying out for abit of added avour, though.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 2/5 Price: Dhs45Al Safa Centre, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, daily 4pmto 11pm. Tel: (04) 3953722. rocknsoleplaice.ae

The PlaiceSomething rings true about this piece ofbattered cod. e manageable portion, theundercooked chips, the haphazard garnish itreminded us of what a lot of real UK chippiesare like. Plus, if you factor in the very aordableprice tag, your looking at a decent contender.

Fish: 3/5 Chips: 3/5 Extras: 2/5 Price: Dhs40Century Village, Garhoud, daily 11am to 1am.Tel: (04) 2868233. centuryvillage.ae

The British KitchenFresh sh is the name of the game here theresnothing frozen along with crispy batter,seriously large chunky chips and a deliciousportion of mushy peas. e homemade tartarsauce is a nice touch, but the authentic pickledonions are the real winner.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 3/5 Extras: 4/5: Price: Dhs55Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, daily 11.30amto midnight. Tel: (04) 3468190

Fish n chipsFew traditional treats are so fondly regarded,or hotly debated, as fish n chips. But howdo Dubais pun-heavy offerings measure up?

Rivington Grill


25/84

steaming cod in rm, crunchy batter, servedwith thick cut chips, a tart tartar sauce andmagnicent mushy peas packed with plentyof avour. ese are not just crushed peas;a combination of stock and a hint of malt

vinegar li them above your average

bland slop.Fish: 5/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 5/5 Price: Dhs115Le Royal Mridien Beach Resort, Dubai Marina,Tue to Sun 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3995555

Jones the Grocerree pieces of local sheri encased in a light,crunchy batter served on a wooden boardwith a good handful of chips. A ne renderingof a classic dish, and extra marks for using asustainable sh.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs49Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Times Square, daily10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 3466886.

jonesthegrocer.com

More CafMore is known for robust food from almostevery continent. e sh n chips is a reliablechoice; two decent sized llets, milky whiteand tender, in a batter that has the rightamount of crunch without sending shardsying across the table the moment you stickyour fork in. e chips are not chips, butwedges no skinny deep-fried nonsensehere. e only drawback would be the lack ofmushy peas. Instead, there is a bowl of greensalad ne with a sarnie or a panini, but

serving it with sh n chips is bordering onculinary crime.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 5/5 Extras: 3/5 Price: Dhs56Various locations. Tel: (04) 3234350

The WharfNautical names lead you to expect a top-classsh thankfully the Scottish haddock doesnot disappoint. e thick cut chips and tangytartar sauce were proper dock food as well.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs90Madinat Jumeirah, Sat to Thurs 7pm to 11.30pm,Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 43666730.

The Gramercye Gramercy may be a New York-inspiredbar, but it also does British very well. Servedon a rustic chopping board, the sh n chipsis a dish of epic proportions; four pieces ofsucculent hake encased in light, crisp batter,

shoe-string fries, tartar sauce, a generous potof vibrant mushy peas, half a lemon and allthe condiments you desire. Big enough toshare or induce a food coma in a solo diner,its lick-smackingly good.Fish: 5/5 Chips: 3/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs90Building 3, DIFC, noon to midnight. Tel: (04)4377511. thegramercybar.com

The Ivyis is a gargantuan piece of sh, not to beordered unless youre psyched up for a propermeal theres nothing sadder than a halfdevoured plate of sh n chips, especiallywhen youve paid Dhs125 for it. e batterwas respectable, the thick cut fries were fullof avour, while the mushy peas were nicelyseasoned and the tartar sauce was spot on.Fish: 5/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs125The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, dailynoon to 3.30pm, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3198767.theivy.ae

Rivington GrillIf the secret to a good sh n chips is thebatter, then the Riv is certainly in possessionof that secret. e batter for the haddockis made with Kentish Spitre ale (just as itshould be), and the chips and mushy pea andmint sauces are handmade every morning.e real deal, no question.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 4/5 Extras: 5/5 Price: Dhs115Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Burj Khalifa, dailynoon to 11pm. Dhs115. Tel: (04) 4230903

Rhodes Twenty10is is some seriously goodsh n chips. A fat lump of

tartar sauce, is not for serious sh n chiplovers, but it will satisfy a light craving, andgoes well with a beer.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 3/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs45Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Burj Khalifa, opendaily noon to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 3686171

SomersetsDespite not being set amidst the rollinghills of its namesake (the English county ofSomerset), aer sampling its sh n chips,you would be forgiven for feeling a littlehomesick even if youre not British. ehammour is spot on and the mushy peas withthyme and mint are a real treat.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 3/5 Extras: 5/5 Price: Dhs70Mvenpick Hotel, Oud Metha, daily noon to3am. Tel: (04) 3366000

McGettigansDubais newest, and busiest,Irish pub sticks to the tried andtrusted pub grub mantra when itcomes to this bar food staple golarge. Two whopping great hunks of sh areserved up with equally massive chips (a lotof spuds, according to Chef John) alongsidea generous helping of mushy peas. Wash itdown with a few jars of the black stu.Fish: 4/5 Chips: 5/5 Extras: 4/5 Price: Dhs68Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers, JumeirahLakes Towers, daily 12.30pm to 3am.Tel: (04) 3560000

Harvesters

Fish & Chips Room

London Fish n Chips

The Plaice




When was the last time you got into aght?Probably Munich [Liam was arrested at a

Munich nightclub in 2002]. Im not a bigghter, man. I was sued for about 150,000and I had to do a community service thingwhere you go and clean up and all that. Ithink they let me o if I signed a coupleof records for the copper who I assaulted.I laugh at it now, but at the time it washeavy for everyone involved. As much aspeople go, Oh, it was their fault, Im tellingyou, mate, we were just having a time andsomething had gone on. It was just mucky,man. But no one died.

When was the last time you used public

transport?A long time ago. Me, Liam Howlett, Nat andNic [Appleton] were going to the pub, andwe just thought, Oh **** it, well jump on abus. I had a good time, actually. I couldvestayed on it forever. Its great. I dont knowwhat everyones moaning about.

When was the last time you told a lie?Just then! [Laughs] Nah, it might have been atthe US Embassy this morning. But I wont tellyou about what, because itll get me in ****.

When was the last time you swore at the

telly?is morning, watching [Jerry Springer-esque UK chat show]Jeremy Kyle. Just going,You ******. I mean, I like him and that, butI bet hes a right ****.

What was the last book you read?I dont read books. e last one was eBeatles one [Richard DiLellos e LongestCocktail Party about Apple Records, which isbeing made into a lm produced by Liam].Derek Taylor [late Beatles publicist] was a

dude. Hes up there with Lennon. e lmscript is done. Its going to blow peoplesminds, man. Im just waiting to nd out

when we choose the actors. I want JohnnyDepp to play Derek Taylor. Its got JohnnyDepp written all over it, man.

When was the last time you used thewords, Do you know who I am?Never, mate. I leave that up to our kid.Never, ever. You go to hell for doing stu likethat, man. Not into any of that. Dontneed to, to be quite honest.

When was the last timeyou were thrown out ofa hotel?

Not for a long timenow. One time, wewere in Manchesterwith [Lemonheadsfrontman] EvanDando, and Iremember gettingthrown out then. Cantremember what over,but we got launched out.I got asked to leave SohoHouse one night. is geezercome over and said, [whispers]Excuse me, I think youre going to

have to leave. I said, [whispers] Alright. SoI le. Which was good. Because it was full of***** in there.

When was the last time you askedsomeone for their autograph?Never done it. Its a waste of time. I mean, Iunderstand people doing it and that. But youend up losing it. A piece of paper. I dont wantsomeones signature on a cigarette box. I dontmind giving them. Takes two seconds, man. Ifit makes their day and all that.

When was the last time you walked outof a lm at the cinema?I havent done that. Ive fallen asleep in

many of them, though. Last time was oneof me kids ones that we went to. ere wasone called Wall-E or something. About fourhours long. Its like they gas you. Im justlike that [pulls comatose pose], dribbling.I normally put the kids right in at the wall,get me head down, put my feet up and thenthats it.

When was the last timesomeone was

rude to you?I get it when I walk

across a zebra

crossing. atsyour right ofway, eh? erewas this taxidriver once,

just turnedround andsaid, Youre

welcome.

When was the lasttime you thought

about death?I dont think about death. Nah,

man. I mean, its going happen, isnt it, eh?But, you know, think about it then. Justbefore it happens.

What is the last thing youd do if theworld was ending?Youd have to just go and grab your kids andyour missus and have a super-cuddle.

Sept 16, Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi,8pm, Dhs295 to Dhs495. Tel: (800) 35274.beadyeyemusic.com

BeadyProving there is life after Oasis, Liam Gallagher hitsthe capital this month with new band, Beady Eye

Win

tickets!We have a pair of tickets to Beady Eyesshow at Flash Forum to give away.

For your chance to win, simply [email protected] withBeady Eye in the subject line and the

answer to the following question:Which of these is an album by Oasis?

a)Almost Certainlyb) Probably Isnt

c) Denitely Maybe



Eye

A

rabianEye/Corbis


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FILM


WHO?

TAGLINE

ONCE UPON A TIME...

IDEAL IF YOURE IN THEMOOD TO...

WATCH THIS IF YOULIKE...

TOP TRIVIA

WHATS ON TEN WORDOR LESS REVIEW

RATE OR SLATE?

Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis,Woody Harrelson, JennaElfman, Will Gluck (director)

Friendship is a four-letter word.

An LA guy was head-hunted fora NYC job, and sparks soon ewwith his recruiter. Predictably,their simple commitment-freedeal soon took a turn for the

complex.

Be pleasantly surprised thatTimberlake and Kunis both ofwhom are clearly capable, butcome with patchy CVs appearto have found their niche.

Quick-re urban romcoms with asalty edge, in the familiar mouldofe Proposal, Knocked Up,and the near-identical No StringsAttached.

Despite looking luminous inGet Over Itand Forgetting SarahMarshall, Kunis is arguably bestknown for voicing Meg Grinin the hit animated series FamilyGuy.

Smartly self-aware, but provesthat risqu doesnt equalrefreshing.

Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford,Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell, JonFavreau (director)

First contact. Last stand.

An outlaw awoke in a NewMexico desert, 1873, with nomemory of getting there. Hisabductors then tracked him toa nearby town at which point

the situation became all tooapparent

Not merely suspend yourdisbelief, but lasso it, hogtie it,throw it over the haunches of abucking colt and send it gallopingo towards the sunset.

Extra-terrestrial invasion icksthat avoid giving the antagonistsany detectable hint of empathy orpersonality thinkIndependenceDay, rather than District 9.

Director Favreau held his groundin the face of considerablepressure to shoot in pointless3D, insisting that Westerns onlyworked if done on proper lm.Respect.

Deantly da, but dodges a bulletby being played straight.

Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones,Hugo Weaving, Hayley Atwell,Joe Johnston (director)

Avenge.

A wannabe Second World Warsolider (Evans), barred fromenlisting on health grounds,tested an experimental super-solider serum. It worked, and

the Nazi enemy suddenly had aproblem on its hands.

Ignore the fact that its a ratherimsy predecessor to next yearse Avengers, and enjoy a classicMarvel hero in a well-observedperiod setting.

Any of the other pre-Avengersblockbusters weve seen recently namely the Iron Man andIncredible Hulk CGI-fests withwhich this has much in common.

Rather than use a skinny bodydouble for Evans in the pre-serumshots, the lm-makers decided todigitally erase the actors bulkierbits, then ll in the backgroundaround him.

Never really breaks a sweat, butthe shield remains iconic.

Friends WithBenefits

Cowboys &Aliens

CaptainAmerica: The FirstAvenger

Cowboys & AliensCaptain America: The First Avenger


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FILM | NEW RELEASES


Nicholas DAgosto, Emma Bell,Miles Fisher, Arlen Escarpeta,Steven Quale (director)

Death has never been closer.

Aer a spooky premonition, aman coaxed several co-workerso a bus, which was promptlydestroyed by a bridge collapse. Itdidnt turn out to be that lucky

an escape.

Watch people meet increasinglysticky ends, with all the grindinginevitability that the FinalDestination franchise has built its(puzzling) fanbase on.

e previous four FinalDestination lms. (e latter wassomewhat cheekily titled eFinal Destination, which nowlooks like a broken promise more

than anything.)

All predecessors to this rstIMAX installment were releasedat three-year intervals, but itsonly been two years this time so the franchise is getting biggerand faster.

Increasingly contrived deathsmean that chills take a back seat.

Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays,Sofa Vergara, Hank Azaria,Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, RajaGosnell (director)

Where the smurf are we?

An incident at the Smurf s BlueMoon Festival led to the bite-sizeblue Belgians falling through aportal into modern New York,pursued by villain Gargamel and

his cat, Azrael.

Disengage your brain, engageyour inner child, and then watchcountless elements from betterfamily lms rehashed into a well-meaning, but messy, romp.

Other out-of-place-critter CGIyarns such as Ratatouille, Over eHedge, Toy Story, Monsters, Inc allof which, alas, are considerablybetter.

Director Raja Gosnell is clearlysomething of a Hanna-Barberafanboy he also directed Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: MonstersUnleashed.

Harris is solid, but everything elseleaves us pretty blue.

James Franco, Freida Pinto,John Lithgow, Brian Cox, AndySerkis, Rupert Wyatt (director)

Evolution becomes revolution.

Drug trials on chimpanzees gavethem huge intelligence boosts, butproduced a virus fatal to humans.e apes made for the forest astheir captors society began to

collapse.

Witness that all-too-rarephenomenon, a humans vs. non-humans lm in which were shownto be the nave aggressors whosearrogance is our downfall.

Obviously itll help if you enjoyedany of the other entries in thePlanet Of e Apes series, butfans of motion capture poster boySerkis are also in for a real treat.

is franchise reboot is absolutelygroaning with references to theearlier lms most obviously inthe many character names andnicknames that, er, ape the 1968original.

An absorbing, resonant taleboosted by stunning CGI. Monkeysee...

FinalDestination 5

The Smurfs Rise Of The PlanetOf The Apes

Jason Momoa, Rachel Nichols,Stephen Lang, Rose McGowan,Ron Perlman, Marcus Nispel(director)

Enter an age undreamed of.

A big sweaty guy with a shortageof modest clothing saw his tribedestroyed by an evil warlord.Embracing the feral warriorlifestyle, he resolves to track and

confront his mystical nemesis.

See the 1980s trash classicstarring Arnold Schwarzeneggergiven a new spin this ispointedly not a remake intodays obligatory 3D glory.

Well, despite this showcasefor Momoas muscle-boundmanliness attempting to distanceitself from the previous Arnie

vehicles, theyd be the obvious

place to start.

Our heros equally bruising fatheris played by Perlman, who hasform with Conans voyages he

voiced the barbarian himself in awell-received 2007 video game.

Grunting sorcery slasher justavoids falling on its own sword.

PREVIEW

Conan TheBarbarian

The Smurfs Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes


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31/84

EATING OUT


Bord Eau

If you're the keen foodiesthat I know you are, you will

already have cast your line

into our sh 'n' chips: tested

feature and discovered, to

your unfettered delight,

that the UAE's culinary sea is

swimming with a promising

catch of cafs, bars, pubs,

restaurants and takeaways committed to

the classic British dish. Is there anything

more pleasing than a newspaper parcel

wrapped around a piece of soft sh,

encased in light, crispy batter (preferablyspiked with beer so the bubbles add that

extra crunch and lightness), thick cut

chips perhaps a little soggy with vinegar

and a serving of mushy peas? No, there

isn't. And we tasted some pretty decent

renderings on our travels around the UAE,

I can tell you. But there was one problem.

Something that really irked us. What, you

might ask, left us so disgruntled? Well, I'll

tell you. It is the unforgivable and all too

common use of unsustainable local sh

notably hammour. We can just about

forgive imported international brands

using cod (although we shouldn't really),

but there is no excuse for serving the

severely overshed hammour. There are

plenty of alternatives gliding through the

waters of the Arabian Gulf, yet only one

restaurant we visited attempts to educate

the masses by serving sustainable breeds.

So next time you see hammour on a

menu, refuse to eat it and explain

why. Visit choosewisely.ae for a list of

sustainable local sh. OK, enough of that,

this month we bring you our verdict on

new menus at Bord Eau and Caf Chic

(p32), words from the Desert IslandsResort & Spa's salt sommelier (p33), the

newMad Men lunch at Ruth's Chris Steak

House, railway-themed burger joint Grand

Central (p35), The Critic's homage to the

buet and new Indian restaurant Mahec.

And last, but by no means least, voting

opens for the What's On Awards 2011, so

head over to whatsonawards.com. Tuck in.

Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor

Will an update to the

capitals finest French cuisine

continue to provide thatje

ne sais quoi?

Need to know

Location: Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri,Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi

Tel: (02) 5098888Web: shangri-la.comOpen: 7pm to 11.30pmCuisine type: FrenchMust eat: venison with salsify, carrotmash, clove sauce and agrumesemulsionBill for two: Dhs940, without wine

While it wouldnt exactly be entering therealms of journalistic genius to roll outcountless clichs about the French and their

much-celebrated cuisine, there is an amount ofacknowledged truth behind such stereotypes.Bord Eau doesnt do much to alter the general

view of Gallic haute cuisine, but the kitchenis blessed with an inventiveness that ensurestheres rarely a dull culinary moment withinthe Shangri-La agships small-yet-statelywalls. Cocooned in an interior worthy of a highfallutin Parisian restaurant, this is the closestyoull get to the city without hopping on a 767.

An inventive overhaul of a menu that hasalready consistently pushed Bord Eau towardthe pinnacle of Abu Dhabi eating, then, is anevent that demands breaking out the fancy

cutlery.Immaculately presented evidence ofBord Eaus dedication to ne dining arrivedimmediately as we sampled a dish of searedfoie gras with cherry marmalade, asparagusand socca (a thin chickpea crepe) served as apre-appetiser, it combined fruity beauty with thefamiliar, full French avours.

eres a real possibility of foie grasoverload (surprise, surprise), with slivers ofrich goose liver sandwiching mi cuitof tuna(which roughly translates to part cooked).ose worries are eased from the mind thanksto the shs meaty thwack and lobster civet.

Still, with generous true shavings and a richfoie gras and true sauce, gout was becominga genuine fear.

When our venison arrived, mercifully, ourveins were allowed a temporary reprieve.e satisfyingly sized serving was far fromoverawing, but the light accompaniment wasa masterstroke. Dainty cylinders of salsify(a turnip-like root vegetable) were innitely

soer than any potato-based alternative, whilemaintaining sucient bite to compete withthe tender, lean esh. And the combination ofcarrot mash, clove sauce and agrumes (citrus)emulsion work in perfect harmony.

To nish, the chocolate sou with vanillaice cream could, in less skilled hands, lend

a predictable conclusion to an otherwiseimaginative evenings dining. Not at BordEau, however: an orangey infusion of GrandMarnier liquor kept our taste buds dancingto the very last. If there was ever any dangerof French cuisine becoming pass, Bord Eauforesees the trouble and heads it o withardent attention to detail.

In tweet form...Does Bord Eau's new menu manage to mantain its loftyreputation as Abu Dhabi's greatest Gallic restaurant? In a word, oui. Follow us at@WhatsOnDubaiand @WhatsOnAbuDhabi



EATING OUT

MONTE CARLO

BEACH CLUB

Change is a-comingto the capitalsculinary landscape,as the Monte CarloBeach Club becomesthe rst property to open onSaadiyat Island. Armed with four

brand new restaurants the SeaLounge, Le Deck, Bubbles andLibrary Lounge there will bemore than enough for its paid upmembers.Monte Carlo Beach Club,Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.montecarlobeachclub.ae

VOI

Fusion cuisine can bea tricky business,but were hoping itwont be a problemwhen ZabeelSarays new ne

dining restaurant,Voi, opens its doors onSeptember 22. It shouldnt be,because the cuisines involvedwere rst fused during 1920sFrench Colonial era. Expect ourverdict soon.Voi, Zabeel Saray Hotel, The Palm,Crescent Road (West), Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4530444. jumeirah.com

NARA CAF

In the UAE, new shishacaf openings areas common as40-degree heatand abysmal roadetiquette but,like the seeminglyendless variety ofshisha avours, they canall have subtle dierences. NaraCaf, on Sheikh Zayed Road, isa new late night caf from thepeople behind Caramel at DIFC,oering a variety of shisha,serving a light Arabic menuand showing sports, with anemphasis on football.Indigo Building 3, Al Manara,Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, daily7pm to 3am. Tel: (800) 62722233

There are newrestaurants galorethis month

A taste ofthings to

come

Caf ChicWith a new chef anda new menu, has

Le Mridien DubaisFrench restaurantupped its game?

We reviewed the new lunch menuat Caf Chic back in June, and therecently arrived chef de cuisine,Etienne Truter, and his teamshowed enough promise to temptus back for dinner.

Depending on yourgeographical perspective, Caf

Chic is not in a prime spot. OK,its minutes from the airport, sothe hotel is popular with tourists,providing a fair helping of in-house clientele. But, unless youare a resident of Garhoud, Mirdif,or perhaps Deira, its unlikelyyoure going to nd yourselfin the vicinity of Caf Chic. Apity, because its a ne spot forlunch. On the other hand, somewill probably be willing to travelfor their dinner. And Caf Chicmight just be worth the journey.

We couldnt resist the MysteryBasket, because it sounded, erm,well, mysterious. And we dolove to be surprised. You willreceive ve courses comprised of

vegetables displayed in a wickerbasket shown to you beforehand.ough it is an intriguing concept,the execution le it poised onthe precipice of being gimmicky it didnt really deliver. ebasket contained only vegetables,and nothing was said of theirprovenance. And almost all of

the dishes featured on the menu,so there were no huge surprises.Using local vegetables, and shcome to think of it, to producedaily specials would make the ideatruly unique.

Having said that, dinner startedwell, with an amuse bouche ofwarm, buttery scrambled egg

served in a hollow eggshell withsalty-sweet crabmeat and trueshavings. If we could eat it forbreakfast every day, we would.

Second course a pleasingpair of soups. A palate cleansingbeetroot and tomato gazpachowith rm parcels of cannelloniencasing so crab, scoops ofsweet melon and a micro herbsalad; and a more warmingasparagus with just-right scallops

and a couple of creamy, orangequenelles (one dish thats not onthe regular menu).

A foie gras and chickenterrine with pineapple chutneyand pistachio brioche was niceenough, though a bit heavy fora ve-course menu. But a beefNioise salad, an interesting takeon the French classic, was the stardish. Cutting through the gooeyquail eggs, allowing the yolks tomingle with the salty anchovydressing and coat the peppery

beef carpaccio, ratte potato, olivesand crunchy French beans was aheavenly experience, and it wasone of the most beautiful dishesweve seen in a long time aperfect combination of coloursand textures.

A dish of overcooked cod,topped with a herb lattice that

Need to know

Location: Le MridienDubai, Airport Road, DubaiTel: (04) 2170000Web: diningatmeridiendubai.

comOpen: lunch 12.30pm to2.45pm, dinner 7pm to11pmCuisine type: EuropeanMust eat: Black angus beefNioiseBill for two: Dhs790

could have done with crispingup under the grill, came with adeliciously thick, rich blend ofwild mushrooms and puy lentils,a few lines of pommes pure anda Madeira jus. To say this dish wasconfused is to put it mildly. ecod and the jus were completelyoverpowered by the mushroomsand lentils, and the dish wasdisplayed in the shape of a house.ats right. A house. Some mightregard it as playful, but it was astep too far in our book.

More impressive was ablack angus steak, topped with

mushroom gratin and servedwith potato fondant and creamedspinach. Unfortunately, thespinach was horribly bitter.

e kitchen found its formagain with a chocolate sou sonaughty it deserved to be spankedand sent to bed early with nosupper. A mass of chocolate,which should have been too muchfor anyone but wasnt. A lovelychocolate tart cleverly combinedwith a ai basil ice cream wasalso worth a round of applause.

eres certainly enough skillat Caf Chic to warrant a visit,but the price tag might be a littlehigh, and the kitchen could dowith suppressing its childish side

just a smidgen.

In tweet form... There's plenty of skill in the Caf Chic kitchen. With a little bitof work, it will entice diners from across Dubai. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubaiand@WhatsOnAbuDhabi



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AD

Wine or cheese experts arecommonplace, but what on earthis a salt sommelier? Damynfu(Dams) Dato-On, the new saltguru at Desert Islands Resort & Spasseafood restaurant, Samak, explains

What is a salt sommelier?A salt sommelier is basically the same as

any other sommelier. We are passionate andknowledgeable about the product. In thesame way that people are interested in howdierent wines enhance dierent foods, salthas always intrigued me.

What is your role at the restaurant?I approach guests with our salt trolleydisplaying the seven kinds available and Iexplain the concept and the history, beforesuggesting specic salts to best suit items onthe menu. e salts that will help enhancethe avours of their food.

Isnt salt bad for you?Salt can only be consumed in small doses. It

has nutritional value, but doesnt make foodany healthier. But every great dish deservesthe perfect salt.

Salt of the earth

Hawaiian sea salt is wonderfulfor roasting and grilling meats. Its

traditional seasoning for native Hawaiiandishes. The food match at Samak is salmontartare, grilled salmon or grilled calamari.

Hickory smoke is synonymous withsouthern cooking, and Durango

hickory smoked sea salt works magic withribs, burgers, red meat, turkey and chicken.Our recommended dishes are any meat andpoultry items.

Fumee de sel from France is anexquisite salt for tuna carpaccio,

Thai sh cakes and grilled tuna. Its crystals aregently smoked with oak wine barrels used foryears to age ne chardonnay wine.

Peruvian pink salt has a strongavour and is great seasoning for

seafood risotto or vegetarian dishes.

DAMS EXPERT GUIDE TO SALTSel Gris grey sea salt is great forbaking and cooking, or to add crunch

to your favourite dish. Try on Thai shrimp salad,red Thai curry prawns or crab.

Used as nishing salt, Bolivian sea

salt is wonderful for cooking andpreparing soups and sauces, and is also greatfor roasting white or red meat, and sh. Ourrecommended dishes are seafood soup andgrilled fresh sh.

Flower of Bali tropical sea salt,for our mussel hot pot and grilled

lobster, is a unique nishing salt. It is 100 percent hand-harvested, only available in limitedquantities and wonderful to top o vegetablesand seafood.

Samak, Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Sir Bani YasIsland, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 10.30pm.

Tel: (02) 8015400. desertislands.anantara.com

A division of Landmark Hospitality & Leisure Services Ltd.

International buffet only

for AED 139

every Thursday Night

from 9pm to 12am

at The Huddle

Call The Huddle on 04 407 8000



EATING OUT

FIVESTAR LUNCH

Fancy some ne dining on aFriday, as opposed to the

traditional, slightlyout of hand, brunch?Reets is oeringfour courses of itshighest quality dishes

to tempt you awayfrom the run-of-the-mill

buets and into its Michelin-daubed embrace. And from onlyDhs250 for what is really superiorfood, its a bit of a steal.From Sept 2, Reflets par PierreGagnaire, InterContinental DubaiFestival City, Dubai Festival City,Dubai, noon to 2pm, Dhs390,Dhs250 without alcohol.

Tel: (04) 7011127

REOPENING

The InterCon's Italian restaurant,Boccaccio, has brought onboardsous chef Federica Piccioni, andwith her arrival has revamped itsmenu to include some promisingdishes such as spinach gnocchi

with crab and warm chocolatecake with chilli and mousse.Boccaccio, InterContinentalHotel, Bainouna Street, Al Bateen,Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6666888.ichotelgroup.comMOVING TEA

Yum Cha, formerly the bustlingSaturday brunch at The Westin,has moved to Fridays at Wavesat Le Mridien Mina Seyahi.Have no fear, it has lost none ofits air you can still expect tobe wowed by the Chinese liondancers and acrobats.

Yum Cha at Waves, Le MridienMina Seyahi, Dubai, Fri 1pm to4pm, Dhs299, Dhs99 with softdrinks. Tel: (04) 3993333

MASTER CHEF

The Yacht Club welcomes ThaiChef Ian Kittichai betweenSeptember 14 and 16. Kittichaiwill head up dinner service, witha cooking class (Dhs215) thrownin for good measure.Sept 14 to 16, The Yacht Club,InterContinental Hotel, BainounaStreet, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. Tel:(0800) 423463. ichotelsgroup.com

Whats new in the

world of food thismonth?

On themenu

Ruths Chris Steak House

Will Ruths Chris

newMad Men

business lunch prove

as popular as the

television show?

Businesses lunches are a big hit inthe UAE. Matthew Weiners AMChit, set in the fast-paced worldof 1960s advertising, is an evenbigger smash the world over. Socombining the two seems like a

dream ticket. A guaranteed success.But hang on a cotton-pickingminute, were huge fans ofMadMen a neatly folded pocketsquares width away fromobsessive, truth be told andwe dont recall all that manylunches that involved imbibinganything other than whisky ormartinis. So is this just a cynicalattempt to cash in on a populartelevision series. Well, of courseit is, but who can blame em, eh?Aer all, Ruths Chris cocktail

man, Murphee Evangelista, doeswhip up a ne dry gin martini, itis an American steakhouse soyou could easily imagine DonDraper and Roger Sterling at leastordering lunch at Ruths Chris,even if the copious smokes andshorts drowned their appetites.And businessmen and creativesacross the city will enjoyimagining themselves as high-ying, sharp suited ad men whiletucking into their lunchtimeburger. So, everyones happy. In

fact, Mad Men acionados thatwe are, we were quite excited.

At Dhs99 for three coursesat a Whats On Award-winningsteakhouse, theMad Men menuis the kind of bargain penny-pinching British accounts manLane Pryce would be happy toreceive an expenses claim for.And the kitchen, headed upby chef Paul De Visser not

shy of a turn on the goggle boxhimself, as his regular Dubai Oneappearances attest does notdisappoint.

From a list of three starters,

which also included a salad anda seafood gumbo, we opted foran onion soup au gratin. A bistrostaple, it was, as expected, a bowl ofsteaming broth, thick with onions,sitting beneath a lid of toast andcheese. Not even the exacting DonDraper would complain about sucha homely dish.

Beef carpaccio, salmon,barbecue shrimp and a chickensandwich all auditioned for themain show, but the burger winsevery time. Like the soup, it was

served without fuss no messingabout, no exotic extras and wasall the better for it. Cooked toour liking and accompanied bya simple mixed salad and a bowlof crunchy fries, it is sure to be afavourite.

A couple of scoops of sweetvanilla ice cream to close out thedeal, and we were done. Now, itmust be Martini oclock, surely?

Need to know

Location: The MonarchHotel Dubai, One SheikhZayed Road, DubaiTel: (04) 45018666Web: ruthschris.aeOpen: Sun to Thurs noonto 3pmCuisine type: steakhouseMust eat: burgerBill for two: Dhs198

In tweet form... You can't go wrong with a menu full of classics named for one of ourfavourite shows. The Mad Men lunch from Ruth's Chris is a hit. Follow us at@WhatsOnDubaiand @WhatsOnAbuDhabi



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AD

The latest edition to the capitals burger bar scene

Grand Central

TWITTER RECIPE

Cooking couldnt be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

PEA SOUP

Brown bacon. Add onions, garlic, peas. Saut. Add milk, stock, thyme.

Simmer. Remove thyme. Pure. Strain, add cream, season.

Jerey Brothers, chef de cuisine, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

Follow us at @WhatsOnDubaiand @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

WHAT? Grand Central

WHERE? Nestled a few strides from theNational Bank Of Abu Dhabi, behind Muroorand 15th Streets, the surrounding area nearbymosque included doesnt necessarily screamopen eccentric burger bar here. But GrandCentral is a law unto itself, boasting an Americanrailroad theme, replete with wooden signalbox exterior and interior. The endearing railwaydcor is all encompassing, from red, amber andgreen signal light graphics on the takeawaybags, to a model locomotive clickety-clackingaround a ledge inside the building.

THE BURGERS ARE They have a home-made quality about them. Eschewing the

temptation to use frozen patties, all of GrandCentrals food is freshly prepared. The free-range wagyu beef burger (Dhs30, or Dhs35with cheese) is far from a soggy whopper. Itsnot huge, but with chopped, instead of sliced,tomato and a wholewheat bun, the old quality-over-quantity argument wins out.

AND THE FRIES? There are two options:keep it simple with skinny Metro Fries (Dhs10)or switch things up with sweet potato SouthStation Fries (Dhs15). Opt for the latter andyou will be rewarded with a decent helping ofcrispy, cooked-through chips that at least feelhealthier than regular spud alternatives.

ANY MILKSHAKES?You betcha. At acompetitive Dhs20, theyre thick enough thatyou'll need to stir the nal dregs of ice creamjust to force it through your straw. Cho-cho-choose (sorry) from old favourites vanilla,chocolate and strawberry.

FINAL VERDICT:Though the indoor area, witha handful of counter seats, isnt much beyond aserving counter, the cute fenced outside diningarea evoking a Railway Children-era stationcaf should come into its own post-summer. Asburger bars go, with delivery, takeaway and eat-inoptions, Grand Central is just the ticket.Grand Central, behind Muroor Street and 15thStreet, Abu Dhabi, midday to 11.30pm. Tel: (02)6426499. grandcentral.ae

A division of Landmark Hospitality & Leisure Services Ltd.

From 8pm to 11pm,

all week.

ALL YOU CAN EAT

& DRINK FOR

SIZZLING WOKS

YINYANG&

99for

AED*

Call SIZZLING WOK

on 04 407 8000

All you can eat & drink

for AED 99*

Ample free parking available



James Brennanknows food. Having

written on everythingfrom bhajis to burgers fora string of internationalpublications, James is

now the Middle Eastchairman of the Worlds50 Best Restaurants

judging panel. Dont misshis monthly musingsevery issue.

THE CRITIC

Staggering away from your naliar blowout, you probablythought enough was enough you dont want to see anotherbuet again. But you will. Sooner

than you expect. Youll experiencethat Friday twinge, which usuallygrabs your subconscious bythe throat in the early hours ofthe morning while youre stillasleep, pins it against the walland demands a massive brunch,starting no later than noon.

Well, youre in luck. e UAE isa world-beater when it comes tothe buet. Not just for Ramadan orFriday brunches, but every day ofthe week. Right now, somewherein this city, theres a line of tables

loaded with steaming bain maries,

greasy tongs and mucky spoons.And they span the entire gamut,from the absolutely sumptuous, tothe unspeakably drab.

Id always associated buetswith f

Documents

What's on | September 2011