Be Inspired with Turkish Airlines

The latest local ad from Turkish Airline - worlds different from the football endorsed ad they previously produced..

One to definitely tug at the heart strings.

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQFosG6v3RM

Music Mondays

Mr Probz - Waves (Robin Schulz Remix)

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUjE9H8QlA4

#worldstoughestjob

Mum's the word! Utter brilliance from The Card Store.

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD8yfyaeaxM

Detoxin' with Detox Delight Dubai

The latest craze is the Juice Detox.. How anyone manages to live of juice for 5 days solid is beyond me, yet low and behold, here I am, attempting the impossible... Ive decided to go for For SUPER GREEN DELIGHT  where the fruit content is reduced and replaced by basic vegetable varieties and fresh electrolyte-rich coconut water to accelerate the detox effect. The focus is on citrus fruits and a lot of green leaf vegetable like chard, spinach, cabbage, cos lettuce, herbs and grasses (“Super Greens”) well known for their cleansing and healing properties.. Wish me luck - its going to be a long week! 

GET INVOLVED HERE: http://www.detox-delight.ae/products/super-green-delight.html

Asado - The Palace Hotel

I first heard about Asado many months ago whilst chatting to a colleague about where was nice (and a bit different) to go for dinner in Dubai. Asado was her first recommendation, with the baby goat appetizer being the main draw to the place... i was definitely intrigued. Situated in The Palace Hotel, the restaurant’s terrace backs onto the Burj Khalifa and the legendary fountains, and I thought this would be great spot to take my friends when they came to stay, plus – id never been myself! Definite added bonus! Even though it is an Argentinean Grill, it is not quite like any of the other steakhouses ive been to in the city. On offer is a wide variety of unique, mouth quenching dishes like Poach Lobster over cauliflower caviar with crab remoulade and bisque, Grilled scallops, olive oil caviar, basil granite, carrot reduction and braised pigeon with foie gras, mushrooms, asparagus puree and purple potatoes as well as the beautifully cut pieces of steak and grilled food. 

On arrival, I was slightly disappointed in the view of the fountains from the terrace.. you could barely make them out and instead of the ‘ooo’s and ‘ahhh’s I should have been hearing from my friends, there was nothing apart from ‘yeah they were nice…’. Luckily the food and wine made up for the lack of fountain watching. However, the interiors of the restaurant were very different...Asado had the authentic feel of a grand Argentinean country farmhouse, plonked in the Middle East with traditional music and live entertainment - relaxing yet sophisticated. The wine list was extensive with a sommelier offering a helping hand at every turn. The staff were friendly and happy to offer suggestions, specials and the best cuts on offer. We were all aligned on that the baby goat would be our starter of choice, traditionally called Cabrito asado which is roasted on a slow-burning charcoal fire. This would then be followed by an array of fish, steak, chips, and vegetables for our main choices.

Baby Goat - nearly demolished! 

The baby goat was the highlight of the meal – not coming across as the best looking of dishes, this plate of hot, extremely well-seasoned goat was to die for.. It fell off the bone with no hassle and quite literally melted in one’s mouth leaving four very happy campers around the table! Shortly after arrived my tenderloin steak with its side order of thick-cut fries arranged like building blocks. The steak was beautifully marbled, sensationally tender and tasty! The fish I hear was equally as delicious - a lighter option for those who prefer. 

Overall, Asado turned out to be a fun night for all, a definite high light of their holiday, and I would happily go again if the opportunity presented itself. However, its not the cheapest of eateries and if you own an Entertainer book, be sure to take along a few vouchers! 

Bon appetite x

101 - The One and Only The Palm

Its March, my parents and friends are on route to Dubai for the World Cup and my mother is asking me to think of a suitable restaurant to have lunch. The mandatories? Must be by the beach, not too busy, seafood would be preferable and must be outdoors… So not a lot to ask for really…!

After a few phone calls and a bit of research, 101 at the luxury One and Only Hotel on the Palm sounded like a reasonable choice. Set over the water, with insane views of the mainland, 101 has a diverse Mediterranean menu on offer, serving up mainly fresh seafood but also a mix of meats, light and fresh salads and a selection of delightful looking puddings. This sounded like it was definitely going to tick most boxes.

Even though it’s a slight trek from main land Dubai (the hotel is literally a stone’s throw away from the main land – however by car it’s a fair distance!), its well worth the journey once you arrive. Located by the resorts private marina, this place not only has a casual and laid back dining area, but also a hip and chic lounge, the perfect place for sunny d’s.

On arrival (driven in a buggy from our car to the restaurant..) we were promptly sat, menus appeared, followed by a light snack to awaken the palate. This came in the form of a duck ball.. looked a bit suspect but tasted delicious. As it was lunch time, a light meal was on everyone’s minds, and one by one plates of tuna carpaccio, scallops and salads were ordered. Last but by no means least, my younger brother piped up and ordered the Octopus, definitely coming in as one of the more extravagant items on the menu. Twenty minutes later the food arrived, the table went quiet and ‘mmm’ing sounds could be heard from all sides. I personally went for the Scallops which came with a leek and carrot medley. The vegetables were sliced so slightly that they looked like spaghetti and melted into the scallops, accompanying them perfectly. The portion left me feeling satisfied and after washing it down with some rose, I was left feeling content. The salads and the tuna also went down a treat (from what I hear!), however the real deal was the Octopus. Sprawling tentacles covered the plate accompanied with toasty tomatoes and salsa – not only did it look amazing, it tasted amazing too. Definitely the dish of the day.  

After a lovely long, chilled out lunch, basking in the sun it was time to think about moving. Clean plates, coffees were drunk, rose finished, and no puddings. My brother, who was conveniently shacked up in the One and Only Royal Mirage (the hotel directly opposite where we were), invited the party back to the hotel for a drink meaning that the only thing that was standing between us and an ice cold cocktail was the long (well twenty minute) car journey.. however turns out this was not the only mode of transport on offer! 

‘Why don’t you just take the boat?’ chirped the waiter in response to my grumbling. The boat? Yes, the boat. As it turns out, One&Only provides a ferry service across the short stretch of water between the Royal Mirage and The Palm, meaning our journey back from the 101 at One&Only The Palm had suddenly become much easier. Departing every hour, this is a quick, easy and enjoyable way to travel to and from the restaurant, dropping you directly at Jetty Lounge on the beach of the One and Only Royal Mirage.

Even though its quite an expensive dining experience it is worth every penny. There was an understated class to 101 that I immediately liked and I am very much looking forward to going back again – maybe next time ill try dinner! 

Sunny d's at the One and Only Royal Mirage 

Magic Mondays

Magical, musical, marvelous Mondays.. Kick back and enjoy one hour of non stop beats by La Belle..

LISTEN HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1Ol6M0d9sg

Food for thought! The Conversations: 66 reasons to start talking

Back in the day, I felt I used to have an opinion on everything, however as life went on these thoughts stopped flooding to the forefront of my mind. Step in Olivia Fane... 

This brilliant book encourages us all to think anew. Olivia Fane provides the starting points for 66 conversations to be had with a partner, friend, stranger or simply with ourselves. These though-provoking and stimulating short discussions on happiness, vanity, infidelity, education and more, ask you the questions that will help you get to know those with whom you share your life.

Providing endless 'food for thought', hours of conversation and words which open windows, if nothing else, this is a book to enjoy - the ultimate coffee table accessory!

BUY HERE: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Conversations-Reasons-Start-Talking/dp/0224095692

Bringing Spidey back...

The latest addition to Evain's 'baby and me' craze brings you a little and large Spiderman. Another feel good, 'live young' inspired ad. 

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyV57QlGUGI