How quickly has this year whizzed past?! I’m missing the festive Christmas feel already. The trees may be coming down soon, but I want to keep the festive vibes alive just a little longer. One of the elements I love about Christmas is the scent of cinnamon.
No, I am not binging on leftover mince pies, got the NY resolutions coming up! Instead, I’ve incorporated cinnamon into my daily breakfast shake thanks to the Dabur Real Activ Honey with Cinnamon.
If you were to open a fusion Asian restaurant, what would you name it? Most of us would probably venture in the food labels realm, but who would have thought of Smoking Doll?! Such a uniquely clever name! Love it and love the logo showcasing the the tattooed, fan-bearing Asian doll oozing so much oomph. I was intrigued to know if their food was as good as the name itself.
Smoking Doll currently only has branches in Abu Dhabi (at Galleria Mall and Boutik Mall). As we were at the capital for our staycation at Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, we decided to try out Smoking Doll at the Boutik Mall branch.
BoxPark Dubai has become a bit of a dining institution in the city. Who would have thought that creating a whole lineup of retail space using discarded shipping containers can turn so iconic? #OnlyInDubai if you ask me!
BoxPark houses some of Dubai’s most happening eateries and quirky fashion labels, and is especially enjoyable given the lovely alfresco weather we are enjoying right now. But who would have thought that a topnotch, fine-dining restaurant (that too, very stiffed collared and French!) can open inside a box?! With gilded walls and cascading chandeliers, Café Des Artistes is BoxPark’s newest ‘kid on the block’. We had the pleasure of dining there a week into its opening, and the place was already overflowing with enthusiastic diners.
Last weekend saw our little family packing up our overnight bags and heading off to the capital. Located in the heart of the financial hub of Abu Dhabi, Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana seems to be an unlikely choice for a family getaway. With offices and convention centres a stone’s throw away, the hotel has a regular influx of business guests. However, much to our delight, the property also proved to be a nest of comfort as a home away from home.
Love satay sauce? Here’s a cheat’s way of making it in under 5 minutes!
Le Meridien Hotel & Conference Centre (conveniently located near Dubai International Airport), is one of the oldest hospitality institutions of the city and also happens to be a treasure trove of foodie finds.
One such gem is Casa Mia. Aptly translating to ‘my home’, I absolutely love the cottage-inspired interiors of this space. The service is topnotch, the wine selection immaculate and above all, the food here is incredibly ‘delizioso’.
Do you suffer from an incurable sweet-tooth and and always find yourself reaching out for a handful of naughty treats? I have a super quick and easy recipe for you… and its not even close to being naughty!
All you need is dates and coconut, and stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these little treats will last over a month (unless you gobble them up beforehand ofcourse!). Best of all this recipe is gluten-free, made of all-natural ingredients, and is high in fiber. You get the jazz… super healthy, super quick without the hefty price tag to boot!
Fancy some sushi with a difference? Head to The Palm Jumeirah’s new-age Japanese foodie destination, Miyabi Sushi & Bento and treat yourself to a whole new array of artisan sushis at a very affordable price range.
The tales of Emperor Akbar and his wittiest minister Birbal are an integral part of Indian folklore. Their stories often end with a moral teaching, and have been passed down to generations of fascinated young children.
Interestingly, Birbal was the only Hindu in Emperor Akbar’s court. Born Mahesh Das, stories of his timely wit and moral standing won him over as Akbar’s dearest adviser, much to the chagrin of his counterparts.
One of the most popular Akbar Birbal stories is entitled ‘Birbal Ki Kichdi‘ (Birbal’s Kichdi). What is Kichdi you ask? An Indian risotto would be the best way to describe it to a global audience. However, the Indian counterpart is not as starchy as the one eaten by Italians. Indian kichdi is made up of near-equal proportions of rice and lentils, cooked together along with a mix of spices, and enriched with ghee (Indian clarified butter). Here is how the story goes:
Conceptualized and created by noted Indian entrepreneur, restaurateur and chef Farrokh Khambata with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline on the 31st floor of Sofitel Downtown, Jaan is Dubai’s latest addition on the lengthening list of ‘progressive’ Indian fine-dining restaurants.
The restaurant opened its doors to the public just a week or so before Diwali, a brilliant move as the buzz was already out and this newbie suddenly had an unanticipated lineup of reservations! I was fortunate enough to try out Jaan just a week into its opening, and given the hype, I was really keen on trying them out.
The Tezzy Files 