Hakkisan - Emirates Towers, Dubai

Hidden away on the bottom floor of the infamous Emirates Towers lies Hakkasan, the hip Chinese restaurant which can be found in 9 other locations around the globe. Like most Dubai digs, you have the option to dine 'al fresco' and this is definitely the main attraction of this eatery. Set in what can only be described as a Chinese magical garden, Hakkisan can fit a casual 88 people onto its terrace. A natural oasis of charm that features rustic wooden pavilions, exotic greenery, mini waterfalls and comfy seating.

The food is exceptional, however it doesn't massively differ from other Chinese restaurants ive visited, however, the cocktails are incredible and were definitely my favorite part of dinner. Try 'The Hakka' or the "Rose Petal Martini'!

Like most other Hakkisans, the interiors are dark and sleek, making it great for a date but not so great for a party or business meeting - its the kind of place where you can spot people struggling to see their menus (even during the day).

Overall, my experience at Hakkisan was pleasurable, and i would definitely go back, however next time I would probably aim to focus more of the cocktails rather than the food.

To note: Hakkisan offers a Dim Sum brunch on Friday and Saturdays - if you're a Dim Sum fan, be sure to try this one out. Also, make sure you book an outdoor table when you are making the reservation.

What sticks?! FEAR or LOVE..

John St. gives advertising a new approach.. This will definitely stick in a consumers mind! Welcome to ExFEARiential - giving you a completely different take on a consumer journey. 

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sxAOkAguqc

Coca Cola = HAPPINESS

Coca Cola is happiness, or at least, that's what the brand's marketing has been telling you. But there was a place where that happiness was missing: the supermarket checkout. Ogilvy Brazil cleverly used the brand's telltale, instantly recognizable, five-note-melody to make the "beeps" at the checkout musical. Every time a Coke barcode was recognized, it played the tune, thanks a small device inside a supermarket chain's checkout system.

WATCH HERE: http://creativity-online.com/work/cocacola-happy-beep/35617

Music Mondays

A little something special from Klingande.. only a mere 3 days until the weekend! 

Klingande - Jubel

WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6vSf0cA9qY

The best food 'delivered to your door' in Dubai

NKD

The best for pizza. They even offer GLUTEN FREE pizza as well as a number of mouth watering sides and salads.

CIRCLE CAFE

Amazing breakfast, great salads and delicious bagels. Circle Cafe has something to offer for everyone, and brings simple, easy and delicious food to the table. All fresh and made to order, Circle in my opinion gets it spot on every time. Try the wild rice salad, the burger with no bun (accompanied with their homemade guac and sweet potato fries), the chicken thai curry or the granola breakfast pot - all truly scrumptious. Please note that during peak times, delivery is VERY slow.

URBAN BISTRO

Urban seeks to create a retreat from the daily grind of modern life, feeding its customers healthy, nutritious and sustainable meals. They are new to delivering food (especially at the weekend..) but they now offer a range of salads, sandwiches and delicious smoothies and juices as well as a range of breakfast treats. Unlike Circle Cafe, who on the whole play by the book, Urban tries to be a little more adventurous so don't be too surprised when you find ingredients like peanut butter noodles and saffron popcorn on the menu.

BATEEL

Best for GLUTEN FREE pasta. Bateel offers an extensive menu, serving up everything from local to international cuisine from zaatar to homemade french pastries. Like most of these places, Bateel is perfect for every meal of the day and you could order from there every day for a month and still be trying new things!

THE NOODLE ROOM

Best for Chinese and Thai cuisine. This is great hangover food, however be aware that the portions are large and the food filling. I particularly enjoy their green thai chicken curry.

SUSHI COUNTER

Best for sushi. Even though its quite expensive it is definitely worth the money as an occasional treat. In a nut shell, Sushi Counter offers great flavors, consistent freshness, innovative creations (spicy chicken tikka rolls and the 'burgers') and authentic, yummy food! The extensive menu is large enough to keep the fussiest of person quiet.

K CAL

Best for healthy dishes. K Cal offers a variety of meals for the health conscious individual, showing each customer what exactly is in the dish and how many calories it contains. It is also very descriptive in showing the customer if the dish contains gluten, dairy, nuts etc so it is quick and easy (and safe) to navigate for the people out there with allergies.

MARIA BONITA

Best for Mexican cuisine. Large portions, authentic food and value for money, the first of its kind that ive come across in Dubai.

SALADICIOUS

Best for Salads. Saladicious offers a ridiculous amount of exotic, scrumptious salads, all made with fresh ingredients making your taste buds swoon. They also serve hot food, pancakes, pastas, and deserts and offer up a vast amount of smoothies, fresh juices and hot beverages. Try the tuna carpaccio, salmon sashimi or temptation salads.. Im yet to have a bad one!

BOBS FISH AND CHIPS

Best for hangover food (and fish and chips of course..). Donned as the best fish and chips in Dubai, Bobs is open until the early hours of the morning making it a regular for most expats on route home at 4am. Try the cod or haddock and chips and make sure you get a side of mushy peas.

Story Lounge - Holiday Inn Internet City, Dubai

This relatively new hot spot sits on the border between Internet City and Knowledge Village making it my go-to bar for after work drinks. The trendy digs are on the top floor of the Holiday Inn Hotel, with two terraces encasing the indoor restaurant, both with marvelous views of the Palm and the sunset (if you manage to get there in time after work).

The indoor interiors are cool and spacious with tables dug into coves in the wall as well as massive lounge areas throughout the room. One of the balcony, skinny in appearance, is the more relaxed and quiet out of the two, the perfect place to catch up with friends and wind down after a long day at work. The latter is more energetic with a DJ based at one end of the room, blaring techno beats until the early hours of the morning. Mirroring the interiors, the exteriors also boost large sofa areas, large enough for a dozen companions. There are also high tables giving customers an even better view of what lies beyond the railings.

Snacks and more substantial meals are available, all based around a mexican style theme. Try a chicken coquette or the sweet potato fries - these are great sharing plates for the whole table to indulge in.

Story also has many offers to get involved in. They do a great Thursday night and Friday brunch, with mounts of delicious food and a outdoor BBQ. On a Thursday night they offer 4 drinks for 100aed until 8pm and though-out the week, happy hour reigns with 50% off selected beverage... I mean, whats not to like?!

To note: staff are a tad slow but as long as you are not too inpatient, it shouldn't ruin the experience too much...

Beit Al Bahar AKA The Beach House - Jumeriah Dubai

Next to the Dubai Off-shore sailing club sits Beit Al Bahar, a three story villa which has been turned into three restaurants. This is a real hidden gem - off the beaten track this joint is mostly inhabited by locals and Emiratis. Very un-dubai in its appearance and style, this is the sort of place where rolling off the beach in shorts and t-shirt is acceptable and flip flops are definitely allowed.

When visiting, we had dinner on the beach which is out the back of the restaurant on the ground floor. The terrace is adorned with blue and white lounge chairs and low white tables and its a perfect place to chill out and watch the sun set.

The fact that it is strictly no alcohol doesn't add a downer to the experience... they more than make up for it with their extensive drinks list, from fruity fun mocktails, to a range of imported drinks, and a great selection of coffees. On the food front you really are spoilt for choice.. a menu from each restaurant is presented to you giving you a selection of grilled meats, international cuisines and a extensive sushi menu.

To note: shisha is on offer (obviously..) and the restaurants are open to a whopping 4am.

ZUMA - DIFC Dubai

There is nothing better than treating yourself to a 'business lunch' at DIFCs trendiest Japanese joint... for a mere 130aed, Zuma offers up a 4 course meal which will make your mouth water.
The light, open and contemporary interiors add to the experience, with the restaurant spread out on two levels with a sophisticated bar and lounge area taking over the majority of the top floor.

The menu is extensive, full of Japanese favorites and sushi specials - the main issue is that everything sounds so good the main challenge is choosing dishes off the menu. The great thing about the business lunch menu is that you only have to pick between 3 or 4 options, and if you go with a few people you can get one of each and share - sharing is caring after all and is mandatory when visiting this downtown eatery.

If you are a cocktail lover (which I most certainly am!), you will not be let down.. each cocktail is more tasty and more exotic than the last making it impossible to know when to stop.

The staff are attentive and friendly which is refreshing in a city where service is 9/10 relatively poor, and you can see that attention to detail really is key at Zuma - whether is be the delightful food, to the supremely tasting cocktails, to the deco.

To note: Zuma offers brunch on a Friday starting around 400aed, and if you are a DIFC dude or doll, head down for a scrumptious cocktail after work.

Sakenohana - Souk Al Bahar Dubai

This hot spot is probably one of my favorite Japanese eateries in Dubai.. The venue is situated in the perfect location, right in the action at Souk Al Bahar with views of the infamous Dubai Fountains. With options to dine inside, where the music is pumping and the interiors sophisticated and chic and also to dine al fresco, this restaurant has a table to fit everyone's needs.

The cocktail menu is extensive, as is the sake selection which is on offer, and every beverage i sampled was just as unique and delicious as the last.

The food, authentic and typically Japanese definitely overexcited my taste buds! Be sure to try the iron pot black cod rice and accompany anything you order with the sesame spinach - i assure you you won't be disappointed.

To Note: On Monday Sakenohana offers a deal of all you can eat sushi for a remarkable 199aed, and on a Tuesday night, in true Dubai fashion, head down for free cocktails and sample the selection they have to offer.

Tuesday tuuuuunes

A hidden gem from Bastille's awesome album Bad Blood. 

Oblivion - Bastille 

LISTEN HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZYisBWNtO0

Blue Marlin UAE

Blue Marlin might just be my new favorite spot in Dubai..

This Ibizian beach brand brings something refreshing and new to beach club chic in Dubai and unlike Nasimi Beach, this joint is more about party and less about relaxing.
During the day, people prance about in bikinis, swim in the sea, enjoy some light lunch, however, around 4pm the crowds from Dubai and decent on Blue Marlin and the atmosphere becomes raucous.

Expect intense beats from world renowned international house DJs, a crowded dance floor, oversized shades (even when its dark!) and a party to rival Dubai's best.

Note: Blue Marlin is about 25mins out of Dubai toward Abu Dhabi, and as you can imagine the queues get big quickly. Be sure to leave enough time to get there and get in.

Siddharta Lounge - Grosvenor House Dubai

Only a few floors up from its sister, the infamous Buddha Bar, Siddharta lounge also sits in Grosvenor House among other 5 star eateries. Stylish to casual, boosting both indoor and outdoor dining as well as offering the option of sipping on a cocktail during the night as well as during the day around the lavish outdoor pool. The Siddharta lounge is an ideal spot to bring a date for a long leisurely evening filled with conversation, drinks, snacks, and watching the Dubai glam pack swanning around.

One note to make - unlike its sister, Siddharta lounge is not a place to go if you are hungry... the food menu is not extensive and the portions are small and intended to be shared. However, don't let this put you off - the Mediterranean and Asian infused dishes are delightful and at least you can leave without the fear of indigestion!

Music Mondays with La Belle

An hour of musical magic from the genius La Belle - Enjoy x

LISTEN HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0jkjiSEfXY

40 Kong - H Hotel Dubai

On the 40th Floor of the H Hotel in Downtown Dubai lies 40 Kong, the newest roof top lounge in Dubai. Completely open-air, this relatively small space has its own lift up the 360s views this swanky joint has to offer. A good place for an after work tipple, or the perfect spot to impress a newcomer, the resident DJ spins tunes into the early hours of the morning inevitably turning your night into a late one.

Be sure to try the Wagyu Mini Burgers or Beef Tartare and definitely wash it down with a Lykke Li or a One Two Fizz - the cocktails are definitely something to write home about.

Jetty Lounge - The One and Only Royal Mirage

Situated in the One and Only Royal Mirage, this swanky beach  bar/terrace is perfect for a couple sunny d's after work or at the weekends. Livening up at the weekends, however never raucous, this place is perfect to catch up with friends and is also a great WOW spot - perfect for friends who are visiting, newbies in town or date nights. 

Large white sofas stretch out of the sand, candle lights sparkle above and the mood lightening is perfect. Pop down for an espresso martini and some stuffed olives a watch the sun set on a clear night. 

Note: light snacks are served but its not really a 'dinner' location.