Author: The Tezzy Files

Umair’s Peshawari Mutton Karhai Recipe

Last week we had an office barbecue party. The weather was perfect, and a day out with work-mates proved to be a great way to unwind after a long week.

Our colleague Umair Ahmad, who is the Finance Manager in our team, is an exceptional cook. He took charge of the menu of the day, and we enjoyed a smorgasbord of grilled delicacies including Masala Salmon, skewered kebabs that had the rustic aftertaste of charcoal, and a very delicious Peshawari Mutton Karhai.

This mutton dish was by far the highlight of the evening, and I coaxed Umair to share his special recipe with us. Do try it, its super easy and I’m sure it will soon become a favorite on your family table!

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Infinity Brunch at Shades (The Address, Dubai Marina)

Last Saturday, I was invited to try out the Infinity Brunch at The Address, Dubai Marina. Always on the run and all over the place, I graciously accepted without really doing a background check. I assumed that as it’s at The Address Marina, I could go all out ladylike in my new Vero Moda lacy black number, and top it off with shit-loads of bronzer.

And there I was, high-heeled and astute, till we got ushered into Shades, the restaurant where the Infinity Brunch takes place every Saturday from 2 pm onwards. Shades is a poolside restaurant. The place was flooded with sun worshipers in scantily-clad swimwear, and there I was all dressed up and made up.

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‘Under the Abaya’: Cadillac Celebrates Saudi Women’s Street Style

With the advent of International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day in the Middle East, March has officially been declared the month of women.

To commemorate the celebrations, Cadillac, the world’s leading luxury automotive brand, has taken a bold, fashionable step by collaborating with Saudi entrepreneur and fashion editor Marriam Mossalli by launching  a series of photographs that have been included in a book titled Under the Abaya: Street Style from Saudi Arabia.

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Chef Talk: A Chit-Chat With Legendary Chef Satish Arora

Indian cuisine arguably has an even stronger fan following across the globe than does the glitzy world of Bollywood. Butter Chicken has also been considered the national dish of the UK, and Indian Chefs today are enjoying celebrity status thanks to the reach of social media.

Well before the likes of Zee TV star Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Master Chef stars Vikas Khanna and Kunal Kapoor, Chef Satish Arora took humble Indian dishes to fine-dining status. With a career expanding 50 years which was catapulted by his success as the world’s youngest Executive Chef of a five-star kitchen at a mere 26 years of age, he has been the inspiration for many in his industry, and has also been a role model for his kin.

I had the immense pleasure of meeting the legend in person at Mahec (Le Meridian, Airport Road Dubai) which he has recently taken over. Here is an except on Chef Arora’s trailblazing career, his undying passion for food, and advice for the next generation.

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Sugar Factory: So much more than desserts

There was a time I’d pass by the colorfully quirky facade of Sugar Factory and mistaken it to be a candy store. The rainbow of candy options are enough to make Willie Wonka go green with envy, and for my little girl to get a major sugar high with just one look.

And then I discovered their soulfully delicious Laksa. Very few menus in Dubai offer this coconut milk based noodle soup, and who would have thought an American chain (in the guise of a candy store) could do such a good job?

That was in their Dubai Festival City branch, and they have since opened up in La Mer Dubai. I was invited for a review there, and took it as a great opportunity to catch up with a friend.

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10 Reasons You Need Apple Cider Vinegar in Your Life

My father, God bless his soul, was an advocate of Apple Cider Vinegar and would have a spoonful blended in his first glass of water every morning he woke. Many may detest the taste, but I have a love for sourness, and happily inherited this healthful habit.

Are you swigging Apple Cider Vinegar? If not, you might be missing out. Read on for more.

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The Big Mac Just Got Bigger

Can you believe the iconic McDonald’s Big Mac Burger is turning 50 years old this Wednesday 14th March 2018? Despite all the media slack this fast-food giant may have faced in the recent past, big brands like these are here to stay and celebrate their success.

To commemorate 5 decades of decadence, McDonald’s has come up with 2 limited edition versions of the Big Mac.

big mac

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MAHEC by Legendary Chef Satish Arora

Last Friday I had the honor of meeting a real legend of the Indian culinary world. Chef Satish Arora has a career expanding over 50 years. He started his career with the Taj Group of hotels in India, wherein he became the world’s youngest Executive Chef of a five-star kitchen at a mere 26 years of age. His trailblazing career has won him many accolades including being listed among ‘the world’s 20 best chefs’ in 1991, receiving the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ from Curry Club of England in 2007, Star Group in 2016, Hospitality Leaders Choice UK in 2016, and Food Food TV Channel in 2017.

Mahec by Chef Satish Arora review Le Meridien Airport Road Dubai The Tezzy Files UAE Food Blogger Dubai top Blog Celebrity Fine Dining Sanjeev Kapoor (10)

The secret to his success is his undying passion for simple, authentic Indian cuisine and this has won him a very prestigious lineup of fans including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Amitabh Bacchan, John Major… and the list goes on.

Still going strong, Chef Satish Arora has recently taken over the menu at Mahec, the fine-dining Indian restaurant in Le Meridian, Airport Road Dubai. The menu has been renovated by the culinary legend from 20th Feb this year, and he is adding more of his magic in the coming few weeks.

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‘All That Dori’: A Chit-Chat with Jewelry Designer Bhavya Aiyan

When it comes to jewelry, I am always on the lookout for uniquely beautiful pieces. Jewelry is a form of self-expression, and I love mine embedded with semi-precious stones in all the colors of the rainbow. I look for high-quality pieces that can promise many years of wear (after all, many of my most treasured jewels are inheritance pieces from my mother and grandmothers).

I was therefore very excited to discover All That Dori, a contemporary Indian jewelry brand based right here in Dubai. You might have spotted me adorning ‘All that Dori’ on my Instagram feed.

Today I am introducing you to Bhavya Airan, the beautiful, creative young lady behind the brand. She tells us ‘all that’ goes behind the creation of a boutique jewelry brand, what inspires her design sensibilities, and gives us tips on curating a besotted collection of our own.

Image result for all that dori bhavya

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Chef Talk: Chef Sameer from Roti Rollers Recreates Indian Street Food for a Healthier Global Palate

Chef Sameer who is heading the kitchen and the overall operations of newly opened Roti Rollers, is a walking, talking encyclopedia on all things food. His insightful knowledge on the vast varieties of cuisines within India itself had us as awestruck as did the innovative dishes that came out of his kitchen.

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Chef Sameer

Here are snippets from our conversations with him. And look out for more blog posts with his insightful food gems, coming soon!

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