Indo-Western for Eid

Eid Ul Fitr is the festive ending to a month-long devotional month of fasting on the Muslim calendar. With just over 2 weeks to go, it would be a good idea to start planning out the Eid wardrobe and avoid the maddening pre-Eid retail rush.

For Eid, I love playing ethnic dress-up. There’s something magical about traditional Indian attire. The bright clashes of color, the heavy embroidery and the majestic use of chiffon and silk add feminine grace to any silhouette. However, I for one do not get many opportunities to dress up completely ethnic. I prefer Indo-Western; the marriage of somber Western cuts with a spark of Indian fiesta can be carried off for other occasions beyond Eid, hence giving me more wear per buy. Today’s post is a pictorial wishlist of Indo-Western outfits I have shortlisted. Wishing I could own them all!

indo western for eid
Designed by Nandita Thirani. Available at Label 24.
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Chef Vardon’s Recipe: John Dory with Shellfish Garnish & Salted Butter Shavings

I interviewed Michelin Star Chef Vardon in an earlier post here, and had the pleasure of trying out a number of his creations at La Residence Restaurant & Lounge, Raffles Dubai last week.

Chef Vardon has been kind enough to share the recipe for one of his signature dishes with us; John Dory with Shellfish Garnish & Salted Butter Shavings. I hope you give this fine-dining dish a try at home!

Chef Vardon’s Recipe John Dory with Shellfish Garnish & Salted Butter Shavings

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Urban Veda Purifying Exfoliating Facial Polish Review

Urban Veda is yet another exciting new organic beauty brand to hit the UAE market this summer. Launched in the UK this year and having bagged a number of prestigious beauty awards already, the name ‘Urban Veda’ conjures up holistic beauty regimes from India. The brand uses the ancient principles of Ayurveda to recreate high-quality beauty products infused with the goodness of natural ingredients that have been tailored to the skincare needs of the 21st century.

Ayurvedic wisdom stems from addressing the different ‘doshas’, a term used to describe the physical and emotional tendencies of body and mind. On the Urban Veda website, you can actually do an online quiz to find your dosha type, and this will help narrow down your choices from the Urban Veda range.

I have been using the Urban Veda Purifying Exfoliating Facial Polish for the past week, and this lovely cleanser has been a great intro to the brand.
urban veda purifying exfoliating facial polish review

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Iftar at ‘The Eatery’ – Four Points by Sheraton

Still unsure on where to take your troop for an Iftar treat? ‘The Eatery’ restaurant at Four Points by Sheraton (on Sheikh Zayed Road) might be your answer.

Priced at AED 130 per person, The Eatery offers special discounts for big groups. For every 10 guests, 2 people dine for free, and children under 12 can enjoy the extensive buffet at no cost.The Eatery Four Points by Sheraton Iftar review (16)

We were invited for Iftar at ‘The Eatery’ last evening, and really enjoyed the variety of dishes on offer.

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Iftar at Reem Al Bawadi

Reem Al Bawadi is a bit of an institution in the UAE. Having bagged a celebrity following and a list of prestigious awards, the Arabic themed restaurant is a great choice for a traditional Iftar.

Reem Al Bawadi Iftar Review (6)

We visited the branch on Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard (next to Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai) last night. I’m glad we reserved a table, as there was a long queue just to get in!

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A Taste of Greece at Eat Greek Kouzina

Although the UAE offers a plethora of dining options from across the globe, Greek cuisine seems to be missing from the list. Being a fan of Greek food and an avid Moussaka lover, I was therefore thrilled to discover ‘Eat Greek Kouzina’ at The Beach, JBR.

Set by the beach with views of the sea, the interiors have been beautifully modeled to replicate the charms of rustic Mediterranean dining. Distressed wooden floors and tables laid out with gingham napkins. An open kitchen bustling with activity, and dainty fairy lights on birdcage chandeliers. This soulfully beautiful backdrop transports the senses to a magical setting in faraway Greece.

Eat Greek Kouzina Dubai Review (8)

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