UAE

Iftar at Layali Zaman (Le Meridien, Airport Road Dubai)

How can Ramadan be complete without having an Iftar in one of the elaborately decorated tents? I missed the Layali Zaman Iftar Tent at Le Meridien (Airport Road, Dubai) last year and had to try it out for myself this time round.

Le Meridien on Airport Road Dubai houses arguably the largest number of award-winning restaurants under its belt, and the hotel also happens to be one of the oldest institutions in the city, conveniently located a few minutes away from the airport.

It is therefore not surprising to see the magnitude of grandeur that goes into creating their Ramadan Tent. The ‘tent’, essentially the grand Falcon Ballroom of Le Meridien Hotel, has been transformed into a  majlis-style abode. formal yet exotic, and very spacious allowing for large crowds to entertain together, the ambiance is perfect for reliving a bygone Middle Eastern past.

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A Contemporary Emirati Iftar at Logma

Logma, the contemporary Emirati restaurant chain, has made its mark in the Dubai foodie scene for its exceptionally good Chai Karak and Logma Fries. I’ve made pit-stops for this enticing combo right after work on several occasions, and as back at Logma last week to try out their Iftar spread.

Logma BoxPark Dubai Review The Tezzy Files Dubai Food Blog UAE Blogger Contemporary Emirati Cuisine (6)

 

Unlike most places, Logma does not have a set Iftar menu. Great news I’d say! More variety to pick from, and their menu has a whole lineup of brand new dishes to try.

I broke my fasting with a handful of dates, followed by a steaming hot, frothy glass of Chai Karak. My friend went for the Iced Chai Karak; the same hit of chai but decadently cold and perfect for this summer season.

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Face Scrubs that Double Up as Masks (Tezzy’s Top 3 Picks)

Exfoliation is key. The skincare gurus have drilled on about this for ages, and for good reason too. A good scrub eliminates dead skin cells, rejuvenates the blood circulation, and gives you that pinked up glow of newfound youth.

However, its just as important not to overdo it as all too often can strip the sensitive skin on the face of essential moisture. Try incorporating exfoliation into your skincare regime twice a week.

I love a good multi-tasking product, and lately I’ve seen quite a few exfoliating scrubs that also double up as face masks. Today I am sharing my top 3 favorites with you…

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A ‘Peri’ Delicious Iftar Platter at Galitos!

Looking for a wholesome Iftar spread with the family, with a hit of good old Peri Peri? South African chain Galito’s has put together a Iftar Platter this Ramadan, and we went for a tasting at the Dubai Festival City branch.

You have a choice of two platters here; the chicken platter (priced at AED 109) and the mixed platter (priced at AED 179).

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Give the Gift of Blood this Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of giving, and the conglomerated feeling of generosity that has embedded the city is contagious regardless of faith, age or ethnicity. FMCG giant OMO has created charity bins at prominent malls (Deira City Centre, MOE and City Centre Mirdif) and even tied up with Uber for free pickups from home. Well-meaning residents have installed refrigerators that can be filled with fresh food and drink for the needy, and Iftar tents have popped up in every nook and cranny installing a sense of brotherhood that is so in line with the teachings of Islam.

Islamic quote the best among you are those who bring the greatest benefits to many others blog

 

How have you been giving back this Ramadan?

With shorter work hours, I’ve taken the time to clear out the wardrobe and used the Uber service to send off 3 big piles of clothes to the OMO initiative. I’ve also sent a home-cooked meal to my building watchmen (more on that in a separate post), yet there is one more thing I am planning to add to the list… give blood.

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Iftar at Tresind

Tresind, contrived from the French ‘tres’ for ‘very’ and the short-form ‘Ind’ for Indian, never fails to impress. The very young, debonair Executive Head Chef Himanshu Saini has many a trick up his sleeves and recreates popular Indian flavors in the guise of modern world cuisines with much panache.

I was therefore super excited to try out their Iftar 2017 menu, and off we went with my little sister in tow (who was visiting us from New Zealand). I reassured her this would be an Iftar like no other she’s tried before, and she has been raving about it on her social media channels ever since.

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Feeling Blue (Dressed in Desigual)

I’ve always been a huge fan of Barcelona-born fashion brand Desigual. Their offbeat prints and colour clashes always appealed to the boho in me. However, this very notion of ‘loud’, non-confirmative mix of prints makes many turn away from the brand.

Come Spring Summer 2017, the brand new collection at Desigual has gone through a major transformation. Sure the crazy cool clash of colors stays true to the brand DNA, but the range now includes a wider range of options for those seeking a more sober wardrobe palette.

Casual day out in a super comfy pair of boyfriend-fit jeans and blouse? I bet this is not what you envisage… Dressed in blue, dressed in Desigual. Always so beautifully different!

Desigual Dubai Fashion Blog The Tezzy Files UAE Lifestyle blog fashionista look of the day award winning best blogger uae photo shoot the farm al barari blue denim jeans what to wear (3

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Beauty Review: Herbal Essentials Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Oil SPF 50

The summer sun is blaring bright and strong. Ironic how I always patronize the sunscreen only when the temperatures spike up. I really should have Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Wear Sunscreen’ song on repeat, regardless of the season. In case you’ve missed it, click here for my previous post with details on the importance of sunscreen.

 

I am a sucker for facial oils, and was quite intrigued by this oil-based SPF I spotted on BasharaCare.com This website has turned into my one-stop online shop for all things beauty, and love their one-day delivery service! My bottle of Herbal Essentials Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Oil SPF 50 arrived exactly a day after I hit the purchase button, all wrapped up in the signature Bashara Care box like a special pressie to myself.

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Master Chef Mama’s Moroccan Iftar at Medley Restaurant (Pullman Creek Deira)

Ramadan Kareem! I hope this blessed month is bringing you all the inner peace you have craved, and that you are enjoying the special time bonding with loved ones over scrumptious Iftars and Suhoor.

The previous years had me bloated as a food blogger with myriads of Iftar requests, many of them a repeat of menus whereby I actually started to feign the sight of Ouzi. This year, I am being more picky. I am on the lookout for more varied flavors that will help me explore the authentic cuisines of different regions, and how could I say no to an Iftar invite by famed Moroccan celebrity Chef Mama herself? I am a huge fan of Moroccan tagines. I love the play of savory with sweet, the fruit with the meat.

Moroccan Iftar Chef Mama Pullman Dubai UAE Review

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Revamped Menu at Stock Exchange Bar Dubai

Downtown Dubai boasts of some of the snazziest bars in the city, all uniquely stylish in their own right. We are winding down to the weekend, and if you are planning to ring it in with your crew over a long lineup of drinks, Stock Exchange might just be the place for you.

 

Apart from their groovy, chilled out vibes and pub-grub that goes well beyond the usual hot wings and peanut bowls, Stock Exchange is based on a unique algorithm whereby the prices of the drinks keep changing through the night. It’s Economics 101 really. Governed by supply and demand, the more rounds of drinks you order, the lower the price.

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