Wednesday, 15 October 2014
Wednesday, 24 September 2014
#OnTheRun
There are no words to describe this epic ending to Beyonce and Jay Z's On the Run tour - my only regret is that i wasn't there to witness it. The below clip is well worth a watch - enjoy x
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmfmdKOLzVI
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Now everybody dance!
Zumba (yes as in the dancing..) debuts its first ever TV spot - and it ain't half bad!
WATCH HERE: http://creativity-online.com/work/zumba-contagious/37063
WATCH HERE: http://creativity-online.com/work/zumba-contagious/37063
How many years does it take to change a light bulb?
Philips has the answer..
Philips is hoping to change the way we think about light bulbs with this fun new film, which fast-forwards us through the century, starting with when the bulb was first introduced. The aim is to show the people that lighting has changed, which they have manged to do in a simple and clear manner.
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVUTEVZCqsg
Philips is hoping to change the way we think about light bulbs with this fun new film, which fast-forwards us through the century, starting with when the bulb was first introduced. The aim is to show the people that lighting has changed, which they have manged to do in a simple and clear manner.
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVUTEVZCqsg
Welcome to the IKEA climbing wall
Ikea promoted the opening of its 30th store in France by building an apartment with a twist.. this is no ordinary apartment, in actual fact its a 9 meter high rock climbing wall built in the city of Clermont-Ferrand allowing customers to navigate among stylish beds, cabinets, tables and chairs etc all using a harness of course. The Swedish retailer has been on flying creative form recently with other notable efforts including 'lighting a forest with LED lamps' and 'spending a night in IKEA' - hats off to ya!
Comptoir 102 - Beach Road, Jumeirah Road, Dubai
The place made a great first impression when we arrived for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, with the outside area particularly appealing to me. Low arches led to sofas covering the back wall and low deck chairs surrounding circular tables - the perfect spot for a cool winters afternoon. We were welcomed inside to a tranquil space full of character covered in trinkets and knick knacks. The shop was my idea of heaven with delicate necklaces, rings and bracelets, amazing interiors and a small handful of carefully selected clothes. The restaurant itself featured all the interiors from the shops - everything was a bit miss-match yet full of charisma and the cutlery and plates were basic but quirky (and obviously EXTREMELY expensive!).
The menu was swiftly placed in front of us which automatically led to a bit of confusion. Pages and pages of fresh juices and smoothies lay before us with a small sandwich section on the end - no sign of salads, hummos or nothing that everyone had continued to rave about. Moments later the waitress arrived to explain the concept - the daily dishes were displayed on the specials boards. Three starters, three mains, three deserts, all available for one day only. After a selection of juices and smoothies arrived, the trio of hummos, a special of theres' coming in a range of colors, flavors and textures accompanied by a seedy crisp bread, adding the perfect crunch was served (and devoured very quickly). This was swiftly followed by a seaweed and quinoa salad which despite the lack of meat did not disappoint whilst my pal went for a salmon and lentil salad.
Overall I was very impressed from what i saw/consumed - the restaurant was consistent and true to what it stood for - healthy eating one spoonful at a time. And for the icing on the cake, the damage wasn't too bad either. In a country where paying for healthy food breaks the bank, Comptoir 102 was refreshingly affordable - an excellent addition to Dubai and a place i will be 100% visiting again.
Monday, 8 September 2014
Alta Badia - Emirates Towers, Dubai
This journey really starts with a bang... on entering Emirates Towers you are directed to the lift to whizz you up to Alta Badia, the Italian situated on the 50th floor. After an ear popping start, we were met with a warm reception by an extremely friendly lady at the reservations desk who led us directly to our table, which was conveniently situated in the middle of the restaurant in a semi-circle cove, with amazing views looking over Downtown Dubai. The light was dim and even though the interiors didnt tickle my fancy or overly stand out, this was made up for by the amazing view and the perfect table setting. The restaurant isnt huge but there was enough space to breath between each table. There was a bar at one end of the room with the official Alta Badia bar just one floor up where smokers can puff away without having to head back down to the ground.
Our very friendly waiter arrived at the table to take a drinks order and take us through the menu. Swiftly after, a bread basket arrived followed by an amuse bouche - compliments of the chef. The a la carte menu that was presented to us was minimal but in the best way. Every dish made my mouth water so having a two page menu was definitely hard enough to choose from. Finally, we came to a decision starting with the breasola of yellow fin tuna and the wagyu beef tartare. Thinly sliced light pink tuna was presented with mandarin and tomato segments scattered over the top. The tuna was brilliantly tasty but the main highlight was the wagyu tartare. Being a meat fan, steak tartare is always my tipple and this particular dish did not disappoint. Complete with a quail egg on top, the dish was full of flavor, moist in a good way and topped off with a crunchy potato crisp.
For the main event, we dined on a dish from the sea coming in the form of Scottish scallops and a dish from the land - the Australian beef tenderloin. The scallops were good - not the best i have ever had but the clam sauce made the dish slightly more exciting. The tenderloin on the other hand was perfect, displayed on a bed of smooth mash, drizzled in sauce with incredibly soft fois gras grazing on the top. It was obvious to see how fantastic the food was, as there was not a plate with food left on in the house, including ours (which were basically licked clean). It really made a change going to an Italian which didnt just offer up pizza and pasta and it was great how the chef turned normal every day food into exceptional dishes.
The final stage of the meal included a chocolate fondant pudding complete with strawberries and ice-cream, washed down by a delicious espresso martini - the perfect end to the dinner. Accounting for the great service fantastic food by legendary chef Claudio Melis, breath-taking views and reasonable price tag, this is an Italian which is not to be missed.
Our very friendly waiter arrived at the table to take a drinks order and take us through the menu. Swiftly after, a bread basket arrived followed by an amuse bouche - compliments of the chef. The a la carte menu that was presented to us was minimal but in the best way. Every dish made my mouth water so having a two page menu was definitely hard enough to choose from. Finally, we came to a decision starting with the breasola of yellow fin tuna and the wagyu beef tartare. Thinly sliced light pink tuna was presented with mandarin and tomato segments scattered over the top. The tuna was brilliantly tasty but the main highlight was the wagyu tartare. Being a meat fan, steak tartare is always my tipple and this particular dish did not disappoint. Complete with a quail egg on top, the dish was full of flavor, moist in a good way and topped off with a crunchy potato crisp.
For the main event, we dined on a dish from the sea coming in the form of Scottish scallops and a dish from the land - the Australian beef tenderloin. The scallops were good - not the best i have ever had but the clam sauce made the dish slightly more exciting. The tenderloin on the other hand was perfect, displayed on a bed of smooth mash, drizzled in sauce with incredibly soft fois gras grazing on the top. It was obvious to see how fantastic the food was, as there was not a plate with food left on in the house, including ours (which were basically licked clean). It really made a change going to an Italian which didnt just offer up pizza and pasta and it was great how the chef turned normal every day food into exceptional dishes.
Bushman's - Anantara Resort, The Palm
The latest eatery I recently discovered is yet another restaurant at the superb Anantara Hotel on the Palm. Unlike any other Australian restaurant I have visited in Dubai, Bushman's is ultra cool with a unique edge in every aspect. The outdoor patio is laiden with comfy seating and oversized metal birdcages containing circular tables. The lighting in low with quirky with Australian nik naks hanging from the ceiling - a perfect watering hole for the cooler months in Dubai. The bar portion of the venue is set along a narrow passage which leads into the main restaurant where the low lighting and dark fittings continue throughout the restaurant with wire mesh features including walls and small animals which decorate the interiors. The tables for two are quite cramped but there is a cosy feel to the place and you never feel on top of other diners, however, there are larger tables available which offer plenty of room.
In typical Australian fashion, the menu is made up of weird and wonderful Australian classics including kangaroo, emu and barramundi - its amazing how they get these exquisite dishes across the sea and manage to keep them ever so tasty. For the curious and experiential diners out there, Bushmans will be right up your street. To start, the Australian antipasto is definitely the most exotic dish on the menu.. shared between two this plate of delight gives you a taste of whats to come next. The seared Emu fillet was particularly tasty!
The main courses however make visiting this restaurant worth while.. The two specials/Australian inspired dishes are the pan baked barramundi fillet with lemongrass beurre blanc sauce and lemon risotto and the kangaroo sirloin with sweet potato fritters, pak choi and an incredible chilli sauce (the perfect balance of sweet and spice). Both dishes were truly fantastic however the real star was the barramundi which kicked all other dishes ass. The fish was soft with a crispy exterior and the mixture of risotto and lemongrass complimented it perfectly - my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Adding to the experience, the waitresses AKA 'The Salt Guru' come round and advised on the perfect salt variety to complement the meal. I honestly never knew you could get so many different types! They also come round with a selection of sharp knifes giving each diner the chance to choose their weapon of choice.
In addition to the Australian specials, they also have a number of meat cuts from the BBQ complimented by a selection of sauces including wattle seed glaze and red onion jam. For the icing on the cake, apparently they do an incredible pavlova which is created by the chef in front of your eyes at the table. Something to look forward to next time!
The bevvys also keep in line with the rest of the venue and homesick Aussies will be pleased to find a small selection of Australian drinks at a reasonable price. They also do a happy hour daily from 5pm till 7pm.
A new favorite of mine in Dubai and another gold star for the Anantara!
The main courses however make visiting this restaurant worth while.. The two specials/Australian inspired dishes are the pan baked barramundi fillet with lemongrass beurre blanc sauce and lemon risotto and the kangaroo sirloin with sweet potato fritters, pak choi and an incredible chilli sauce (the perfect balance of sweet and spice). Both dishes were truly fantastic however the real star was the barramundi which kicked all other dishes ass. The fish was soft with a crispy exterior and the mixture of risotto and lemongrass complimented it perfectly - my mouth is watering just thinking about it. Adding to the experience, the waitresses AKA 'The Salt Guru' come round and advised on the perfect salt variety to complement the meal. I honestly never knew you could get so many different types! They also come round with a selection of sharp knifes giving each diner the chance to choose their weapon of choice.
In addition to the Australian specials, they also have a number of meat cuts from the BBQ complimented by a selection of sauces including wattle seed glaze and red onion jam. For the icing on the cake, apparently they do an incredible pavlova which is created by the chef in front of your eyes at the table. Something to look forward to next time!
The bevvys also keep in line with the rest of the venue and homesick Aussies will be pleased to find a small selection of Australian drinks at a reasonable price. They also do a happy hour daily from 5pm till 7pm.
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
Tokyo @ The Tower - Emirates Towers, Dubai
On the second floor in Emirates Towers sits this low key Teppanyaki and Sushi restaurant - not as glitzy and glamorous as similar joints like Sake No Hana but a great place to venture for a fun yet casual night out. Our visit to Tokyo @ The Tower was once again thanks to Whats On - another part of the great prize that was gave with the nights stay at Emirates Towers Hotel so i was particularly excited to discover a little bit of Toyko. On first appearances it looked small and narrow laiden with small basic wooden tables and chairs - it wasnt until we hit the back of the room that we saw the Teppanyaki stations displayed out in front of us.
After we were seated it was time to decide the 'food' direction of the evening and luckily my companion and I came to a suitable decision from the set menu - one meat & one seafood and then obviously share :) There is also a al carte options comprising of different cuts of meat, alternative seafood and duck but, as advised by the waitress, the set menu was the real deal. With miso soup in hand and a small salad on the side it was time to watch the chef work his magic, starting with the veggies. Sliced and diced into tiny pieces in what felt like one second, the veg was ready and left to one side with the occasional toss from the chef. The rice came next - the selection being sticky or egg fried (egg fried obviously being the more entertaining and tasty option). After it was vigorous flipped and pulled from side to side a few times, the veg was added and the egg cracked and voila - egg fried rice - it was amazing how quickly they could accomplish so much! Next came the proper grub - my prawns, lobster tail, scallops and salmon were sliced, scooped up and juggled around on the hot plate with oils, salt and pepper tossed in to enhance the flavor and fire. The meat followed in the same fashion and to be honest, both dishes were fantastic - light and full of flavor - the whole show was immensely impressive.
The food at Tokyo @ The Tower really was the main highlight of the evening, the chefs were simply spectacular however there were some aspects which didn't impress as much. The entrance of the restaurant didn't do any justice to the rest of the place and could maybe be more intriguing to entice customers at first glance. It is also situated right next to a karaoke bar which got very loud - its great if you want to join in, not so great if you have having dinner. Finally, i thought the staff weren't overly friendly or helpful and service with a smile didn't seem to apply. Apart from that, the food was fab - all credit goes to the amazing Teppanyaki chefs.
After we were seated it was time to decide the 'food' direction of the evening and luckily my companion and I came to a suitable decision from the set menu - one meat & one seafood and then obviously share :) There is also a al carte options comprising of different cuts of meat, alternative seafood and duck but, as advised by the waitress, the set menu was the real deal. With miso soup in hand and a small salad on the side it was time to watch the chef work his magic, starting with the veggies. Sliced and diced into tiny pieces in what felt like one second, the veg was ready and left to one side with the occasional toss from the chef. The rice came next - the selection being sticky or egg fried (egg fried obviously being the more entertaining and tasty option). After it was vigorous flipped and pulled from side to side a few times, the veg was added and the egg cracked and voila - egg fried rice - it was amazing how quickly they could accomplish so much! Next came the proper grub - my prawns, lobster tail, scallops and salmon were sliced, scooped up and juggled around on the hot plate with oils, salt and pepper tossed in to enhance the flavor and fire. The meat followed in the same fashion and to be honest, both dishes were fantastic - light and full of flavor - the whole show was immensely impressive.
The food at Tokyo @ The Tower really was the main highlight of the evening, the chefs were simply spectacular however there were some aspects which didn't impress as much. The entrance of the restaurant didn't do any justice to the rest of the place and could maybe be more intriguing to entice customers at first glance. It is also situated right next to a karaoke bar which got very loud - its great if you want to join in, not so great if you have having dinner. Finally, i thought the staff weren't overly friendly or helpful and service with a smile didn't seem to apply. Apart from that, the food was fab - all credit goes to the amazing Teppanyaki chefs.
i-escape
This website has quickly become by new obsession and also a handy go-to when planning hotels for holidays. The site shows a selection of hand-picked beautiful boutique and hip hotel, B&Bs plus houses to rent all set among gorgeous back drops. Well worth a look - there are some real gems to be uncovered and explored!
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