Four To Look Forward To

Although it's much better than it used to be, Dubai is a cultural dessert in the Summer. It's too hot and everyone goes away. Thankfully, as the end of August arrives, so do the people. Here's what I'm looking forward to over the next couple of weeks:

1. A Touch Of Clay- September 7th - 28th

Next month some friends and I are taking part in a series of pottery workshops led by master potter Mubarakka Nandi.  Hopefully we'll be churning out beautiful ceramics like the ones crafted by Mubarakka (pictured) but even if I end up with something resembling the ball of clay I started with, it'll all be worth it because I'll finally get to use a pottery wheel and quietly sing Unchained Melody with my eyes closed.

2. The Scene Official Launch- 12th September

Pier 7 has been on a roll and it shows no signs of slowing down with the opening of its latest restaurant, The Scene. Headed by British celebrity chef Simon Rimmer the restaurant, consisting of an open plan dining area, lounge and terrace is currently in its soft launch phase. However, come mid September, the restaurant will be fully fledged (and fully licensed). If the recent media preview is anything to go by, expect well executed hearty fare in a Shoreditch inspired setting. 

3. Alserkale Galleries Night- 15th September from 7pm

The Alserkale galleries night makes the opening of  the 2014-2015 arts season. The Avenue in the heart of Al Quoz has long been a mothership of sorts  to the city's creative class which has continued to grow in numbers and influence. With several galleries such as Mojo, Ayaam and Carbon 12 simultaneously exhibiting, it's boung to be a great social and cultural event. 

4. Boyhood- September(ish)

This uniquely epic project by Richard Linklater is essentially a coming of age story. A story that took 12 years to film as we follow Mason (Ellar Coltane) from the age of 6 to 18. It's fascinating to watch him and his parents, played by Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette on screen. The actors age as their characters evolve in what is probably the best example of method acting captured on film. Boyhood was set for an August release date in the UAE but according to Gulf Film, the film's regional distributor, the release has been delayed until the film can be submitted for censorship. It should be out sometime in September. 

Four To Look Forward To

Qasr In The Sand

We're spoilt for choice when it comes to hotels in Dubai so it might seem strange to drive three hours into the Liwa desert for a weekend getaway but off I went to Qasr Al Sarab armed with my GPS and an excellent selection of snacks. Know that you'll drive for miles. You'll doubt yourself, you'll ask the GPS lady if she's sure, she won't respond. Then, just as you're eating your final chocolate covered pretzel and the paranoia that you've been driving for 200Km in the wrong direction is about to set in, the entrance appears. You will hear a chorus of angels and it will be beautiful.

The resort doesn't disappoint either. It's much bigger than expected but its traditional architecture in allows it to gently blend in with its sandy surroundings. The first thing that strikes me is how quiet it is, then I take in the view and property's remoteness begins to make sense.

I pay a visit to the Anantara spa where the signature treatment is Traditional Rose Hammam. Black olive soap is applied to purify the skin followed by an intense steam and a vigorous exfoliation. A healing rose clay body mask is then applied. Finally, the pièce de résistance in the form of Shiffa gemstone body oil is massaged into my skin. The oil consists of rubies combined with a pure essential oil blend of rose, geranium and sandalwood. The precious stones are incorporated in the oil as they are known to stimulate and balance the heart chakra, detoxify the lymphatic system and stimulate the reproductive system. I'll never look at Ylang Ylang in the same way.

After my treatment, I wander back to my room, collapse on the bed and proceed to nap. 

I dream of rubies. It's probably one of my top 5 naps.

Qasr Al Sarab brings the concept of a modern Arabian adventure to life with attentive hospitality and meticulous attention to detail in an incredible setting.

Tips

- A road trip needs a great playlist and radio reception cuts out about an hour into the drive so get your music in order.

- Take advantage of the lack of light pollution and do some stargazing. The night sky is incredible

- On the way back, stop on the Emirates National Auto Museum.  I'm not a car enthusiast but it's one of the world's most extensive private car collections and definitely worth having a look.

- The speed cameras work.

Qasr In The Sand

An Education

I grew up in Deira which is now considered old Dubai. I remember walking to the Gold Souk, taking 25 fil abra rides across the creek to Meena Bazaar and going on weekly trips to the fish market.  Deira Fish Market is just down the road from where my family used to live. It was my mother's domain and the place she could demonstrate her incredible bargaining skills and her ability to spot the best produce from a mile away. She was determined to pass these skills on the my sister and I  so every other Friday morning, while my friends in normal households were in bed or watching TV, we'd be down in Shindaga getting lessons in market etiquette. It was crowded and noisy and my mother added to the chorus with 'don't touch!', 'say thank you', 'and hold my hand', 'no thank you'. For a while I probably demonstrated the exact behaviour my mother was trying to discourage however, as I got older I realized that the more cooperative I was, the sooner we could leave. Eventually what used to be an arduous chore, slowly became one of my passions. When I would come home from university I actually looked forward going. I learned where food came from, to appreciate the effort that went into procuring and producing what we ate and the importance of getting to know the people behind the counter. Although my parents are no longer in Dubai and I now live on the other side of town I still try to go as often as I can. My sister and I paid a visit to our old stomping ground last weekend and through the familiar buzz were familiar faces asking 'where’s mama?’ 

An Education

Food for Thought

Roast rules

I look forward to Ramadan every year. For me it's one of the best parts about living in Dubai. I love the social/ cultural part of it- lovely family meals, drinking copious amounts of Moroccan tea and playing cards into the early hours. The one issue I have is the amount of food that goes to waste. I can't help but feel that the extravagant Iftars hosted by five star hotels around the city are fueled by greed when Ramadan is actually about giving. Ofcourse food waste  happens all year round but it seems especially wrong for it to be happening now. Food is piled high and thrown away at a time when we're supposed to be thinking of those in need.

Get your roast on

Tom & Serge is an example of a restaurant that's put a bit more thought into their Iftar offering. Granted, it isn't traditional fare and you do have to queue (gasp) but I really enjoyed their Ramadan Nights Rule the Roast concept. Who doesn't love a roast dinner? The standouts for me were the beef with a generous dollop of the spicy mojo and the roasted pumpkin. I also heard good things about the lamb. The price point is reasonable at AED 80 for a regular plate or AED 95 for a larger tray and the portions are generous but not over the top. The communal tables and the aforementioned queuing force you to interact with strangers. This can be good thing. I sat opposite a Norwegian surfer who claims to have caught the best wave of his life in Oman  a couple of weeks ago. Socialising aside, my favourite part of the Tom & Serge experience is that they give you a little take away box so you can take any leftovers home. It's a small gesture but an important one.




I watched a documentary a couple of years ago called Dive about people who forage for food in dumpsters. These people are desperate or hungry. They have homes and jobs and families but they choose to source their food from what supermarkets throw away. Granted, it's a bit of an extreme lifestyle choice but it's all perfectly good, mostly still packaged food that would have otherwise gone to waste.

We  partake in a culture of excess where taking and consuming more than we need is the norm. I'm not saying that people should forgo supermarkets or that you should go out and become  Freegans but we could all commit to producing less waste, to taking only what we need and being more conscious with our choices. According to sustainability experts WRAP UK,  60 per cent of all household food waste could be eaten and  FoodCycle estimates that at least 400,000 tons of usable surplus food could be saved from supermarkets each year.These are UK figures. I shudder to think what they are in the UAE.

Food for Thought

You and Me

Ok, I know I’ve posted about Blue Valentine before but I came across this video a couple of weeks ago and I thought I’d share it. The song is called ‘You and Me’ by a group called Penny and the Quarters and it’s set against the backdrop of some poignant scenes from the film.

Apparently Ryan Gosling came across the track by chance and convinced Derek Cianfrance the director, to feature it in the movie as the song that makes the couple fall in love.

Very little is known about the group other than that they were 4 teenagers from Columbus, Ohio. They recorded the track in the early seventies and shortly after that completely feel off the map. Now, forty years later, no one knows what became of them and efforts are being made to track down any surviving relatives. It’s sad that they aren’t around to see the fruits of their labour but it’s also nice to be reminded that great music endures.

It’s not cheesy, just innocent and hopeful. I’ve been listening to it on repeat.

You and Me

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to those of you in the Middle East.

I'm lucky to come from a very close knit family. Although I'm a self confessed daddy's girl, I have a special bond with my mother. She put everything aside to raise my sister and I and thanks to her, I think we turned out ok.

Thanks mum, for giving me confidence and advice (especially when i didn't think i needed it), for introducing me to amazing food and letting me steal your clothes.

I miss you. This is for you.

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
i fear no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

e. e. cummings

Happy Mother's Day!

Double Denim

It’s one of those trends that divides opinions but from the Catwalks to Street Style, it’s evident that double denim has taken the sartorial world by storm. I live in denim. When I’m not wearing my denim jacket over a little sun dress, I’m usually in my skinny jeans but I’ve never been tempted to double up on my denim. I feel the time has come to give it a whirl.

The first time you wear denim head to toe, chances are you'll feel like you're doing something wrong. the key is to wear different washes with the darker wash on the bottom. We all remember the Britney and Justin denim disaster of 2001. Let’s not repeat that. Also, try to break up all the blue with some feminine accessories like a long delicate necklace, a great cocktail ring or an unstructured shoulder bag. Most importantly, have fun with it and make it your own. Its versatility is one of the reasons why we all love denim so much. Alexa Chung was recently pictured in Vogue working the look to perfection as usual.

Photo: Danny Martindale/WireImage

To celebrate the trend, Bambah vintage Boutique is hosting an in store Denim on Denim event on Tuesday the 22nd March. The boutique will be transformed into a vintage denim haven for the day. Get stuck into racks upon racks of unique skirts, jackets, waistcoats and jeans (of course). If you’re new to vintage, Denim is a great way to start. You’ll get the thrill of owning a one off piece coupled with the benefit that it’ll easily slot into your wardrobe.

See you there!

Double Denim