TEAM WHAT’S ON PICK THEIR FAVOURITE THINGS IN THE UAE RIGHT NOW

These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…

Returning to an old but gold with dinner at… LPM Dubai

There are a handful of restaurants that I go-to no matter what the time of day or occasion, that consistently hit the high notes for food, drinks, service and ambience – and LPM is one of them. A DIFC stalwart, this light, bright French-Mediterranean restaurant is one of my favourite old school Dubai restaurants, with crisp white table cloths, a beautiful shimmering bar, and a relaxed semi-alfresco terrace that’s lovely to dine on during the cooler months. My measure of a great restaurant is its ability to elevate the basics, and even the bread service at LPM – served with fresh tomatoes and lemon left on the table for you to make your own citrusy tomato salad with olive oil, is a fabulous touch. Paired with perennially-excellent signatures like the escargot, warm prawns and seabass, and you’ve got yourself one of the best meals in the city. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor

@lpmdubai

Picking up a last-minute gift from… Sweet Pea

Aunties and godmothers of the UAE take note: I’ve found the Ounass of the child gifting world in the form of Sweet Pea. It’s an e-commerce store with an incredible array of gorgeous, thoughtful clothing, toys and decor for children of all ages, so no matter what last-minute present you’re buying for, you’ll be able to find something here. Best of all, they beautifully gift wrap everything, and offer next day delivery too. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor 

@sweetpea.me

Getting that “room without a roof” feeling because of… Hapi

If you were drawing up a ranked league of underrated eateries, I think you’d have to put Hapi (Al Khazzan Park opposite City Walk) somewhere near the top. There’s not one outrageous, cynically attention-seeking stunt on the menu, it’s just honest, expertly-delivered, great-tasting food. The grilled cheese is genuinely amongst the best in Dubai, and those crinkle cut, duck-fat-baked fries are a gift from the pleasure pits of a carby Elysium. And if you’ve got a hankering for a little sum’in sweet –the ice cream sandwiches are impossible to finish without mouthing grateful obscenities. Give it a try (they also on Deliveroo across a decent spread of catchment areas), there’s a good chance it’ll be your new Hapi place. – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, What’s On Dubai

@hapi.ae

Breaking the first rule of Ghostbusters by… Crossing the streams

Anyone else feel like, because of the number and quality of streaming services, keeping up with must-watch TV and films in 2024 is like a treadmill reenactment of a climactic Jason Bourne chase scene? It’s actually not possible, so we must resort to cherry picking, and feeling no shame in switching off and letting go if the ‘vibes’ for a particular show ‘are off’. I’m sharing (whether you like it or not) some of my recent series recommendations next week, but for now – I urge you to check out my guide on where to watch 19 movies that were nominated for Oscars this year. My number one pick of the bunch though, Anatomy of a Fall – a near perfect movie… – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, What’s On Dubai

Staying hydrated with…Humantra

One of my good buddies just signed up for overpriced personal training sessions that I cannot afford without selling my car, but my key takeaway from hearing him brag was that he stays hydrated and refreshed with Humantra’s line of electrolytes. I tried one of their sachets and must agree, they’re pretty amazing. In addition to keeping your electrolyte balance on point so you can go hard at your next workout, they’re also available in exciting flavours like the Himalayan Lime, Berry Pomegranate, and for those that view life with rose-tinted glasses, the new limited-edition Rose. Get these great little packs delivered to you at home, work, or while you’re putting in all that work posing for the gym mirror, via Deliveroo.  – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

@humantra

Writing out a review alongside…a matcha tea latte

Why is matcha such a polarising subject? It’s healthy, tastes great and has a shade of green that compares only to those envying your taste for this lovely beverage. Add in some milk and the skills of an expert barista, and you’re looking at a latte goodness in one cup. I had the pleasure of ordering one (or was it two) at the newly opened r&b Grillhouse, and I’ve got to say, they make a mean cup of tea, among other things. What things? Stay tuned to whatson.ae to find out. Raising a cup of matcha tea to your weekend. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

@rnbgrillhouseuae

Tearing up at new Gaudi x Klimt experience at… Theatre of Digital Art

 

I love a new TODA experience, so when they announced Gaudi x Klimt, I knew I had to check it out. I don’t know much about either artists but the show made me want to take a deeper dive into Gustav Klimt’s life and art. You may know him (like I did) for his famous The Kiss painting and others in his ‘golden phase’. Paired with the music and the stunning visuals, I found myself surprised as I teared up at one point. But that’s the thing about art – you just never know when it’s going to emotionally provoke you. Now I can’t wait to read up on Klimt, which means more books are going to be added to my bookshelf (see below). – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter

@todadubai

Finally getting my bookcase for my art books from… IKEA

 

I shifted houses more than a year ago, and getting a new bookshelf for my room was something that remained on my to-do list for the longest time. I finally purchased one from IKEA just last week and while Billy (as he is called), is as basic as a bookshelf can get, it does the job and I am super thrilled with the purchase. It costs me Dhs175 and I had to pay extra for them to come by and assemble it, but at least I know my art books won’t come crashing to the floor in the middle of the night for one missing screw or bolt. – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter

@ikeauae  

Falling in love with buffet brunches all over again at… Roka

Dubai is synonymous with bottomless buffet brunches – rumour has it you’re not a real Dubai resident until you’ve completed your first brunch. It’s a part of the culture. Recently these fabulous feasts have been somewhat overshadowed by the rise of the a la carte brunch. Last weekend, for an early birthday celebration (because I’m a Pisces and birthdays last at least two weeks) I ventured to a classic fail-safe brunch spot, Roka. The brunch takes place from 12pm every Saturday in the stunning Opus hotel with Burj Khalifa views. A crispy glass of bubbles in hand, we help ourself to sushi, sashimi, gyoza, moreish salads (you know it’s good when even the salads are worth a mention), noodles, and other delectable offerings from the buffet. Just as we were tempted to continue nibbling away, the main courses arrived, served to the table—and they were nothing short of showstopping (order the sea bream and thank me later). Whether you’re after a wine-fuelled afternoon with friends or a relaxed family-friendly brunch, Roka ticks all the boxes for a memorable and consistently fabulous brunch experience.  – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

@rokadubaiofficial

Constantly finding joyful moments in… Jumeirah

It’s pretty easy to get caught up the fast-paced Dubai lifestyle. But the city is more than supercars, flashy restaurants, sky high towers, expensive brunches, and malls. One of my favourite neighbourhoods in Dubai (and one of the oldest to exist), Jumeirah, is full of nature, wellness spots, local charm, beaches, and a quaint little coffee shop on every corner. This week, I discovered Kulture House, an Emirati-owned flower shop, café, and artsy concept store in Jumeirah 1. For Ramadan, the stunning garden has been given a fashionable makeover by Miu Miu featuring red hued sofas, cushions, and parasols, branded coffees and ice cream, and a special Iftar menu curated by Emirati chef Nawal al Nuaimi. If you’re looking for a unique iftar experience this Holy Month, don’t miss this Miu-tiful pop-up.  – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

@kulturehousedubai

Appreciating food so much more at… Ginger Moon

This is only my second time ever participating in Ramadan. I must admit, I’m a fraud because I cannot live without drinking water. I have however been participating in the food fast, which is more difficult on some days than others. One week in, I have successfully beat the mind over matter, which is what made my dinner and catch-up at Ginger Moon so much sweeter. In truth, I’ve never been to Ginger Moon and I really was letting myself down by not going sooner. The terrace is stunning, the vibes are immaculate at sunset and I cannot even begin to explain how much I enjoyed the Hamachi tiradito, the avocado salad and the enoki tempura mushrooms – yum, 10’s across the board. Our evening was rounded out with a green tea at Farrago’s Ramadan bazaar and we sat cosily on the cushions – I cannot recommend the entire experience more. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter

@gingermoondxb

Preparing for the great migration with… Furniture shopping (read: dreaming)

I have made it known that I am officially preparing to move out on my own. Yes, I will miss my brother and our shenanigans but I’m honestly just ready to be independent and have a space that is entirely my own. With that comes the ability to choose furniture and appliances that are all my own (and deposits, filling out cheques for the first time, moving the existing furniture that I have, and actually finding an apartment – but that’s not important, right)? What really counts is finding furniture that I love and that is a good representation of me. So lately I have been wandering around all sorts of shops across the city and adding countless items to my carts. One item I know I will be dreaming of adding to my accessories and aesthetic is the Wear The House gem rug. I love to be bejewelled as much as the next girl, which is why my floor will also be, hopefully. Budget pending. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter

@wear_the_house

Not having hot and cold mezze (thankfully) at…The Address Downtown

I went to my first ever Iftar preview this past week and I think The Address Downtown was a good spot to indoctrinate myself into that world. We were seated on the stunning terrace of The Restaurant, with a money-shot view of the Burj Khalifa and beautiful weather to make everything better. The buffet, laden with Arabic and international delicacies, had something for everyone, with Mandi, sushi, pasta, kebabs and more to sample, and the dessert counter? The best part, in my opinion but we all know why that is. It’s a cute spot for a wholesome family Iftar, with peace, quiet and great food. 10 out of 10 samosas from me. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter

@addressdowntown

Just…Ramadan

I love this time of the year. It’s fun, it’s festive, it’s wholesome and it gives me the excuse to leave work early (Alice, I’m sorry, I don’t mean that teehee). It’s a time for family to come together, celebrate each other and the little joys of life, like perfectly crispy samosas and a drink of cold water after a long day of fasting. We’re truly infinitely blessed and we don’t see or say that enough. This Ramadan, that is my effort. To be more grateful for all that I have and continue to receive. May we all end this month with more gratitude in our hearts and joy to spread. Now excuse me while I go chug my Tang. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter

Images: Social

2022-01-07T13:13:41Z dg43tfdfdgfd