If you are gearing up for the night ahead instead of chilling out, this tune will most definitely help you get into that weekend funky feeling.
Zhu - Faded
LISTEN HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwWzSyxNc9I
Thursday, 31 July 2014
Thank God it's Thursday
Its been a long week and this tune is very much so helping me relax into the weekend.
Thursday, 24 July 2014
The Westin Golf Resort & Spa - Abu Dhabi
Even though The Westin is set a little way out of the main hustle of Abu Dhabi, it definitely does not dampen a stay. Built around Abu Dhabi Golf Course, The Westin doesnt just suit a golf vay-cay but is also a great location if you are looking to escape from Dubai (or anywhere for that matter). As peaceful as they come, all rooms look out over acres and acres of grass, so if its beach and sand views you are after, this isn't for you. Fitted out with a gym, and two swimming pools - one for lengths and one for relaxing - there is plenty to keep entertained. The 'lounging' outdoor pool also features sun beds which are actually in the water which is much appreciated in these hotter months.
The hotel accommodates 172 rooms, and even the standard rooms are spacious and clean featuring modern furnishing and devices as well as a walk in shower and large deep bath tub! However, the beds are the main highlight of the room! The Westin have there own type of beds named 'Heavenly' beds - the name suiting the product down to a tee! Having not slept 12 hours in probably 2 years, I was out for the count after sinking into this bad boy and struggled to move out of it for the entire weekend. Large, covered in mountains of squishy pillows, topped off with the most comfy mattress I have ever slept on. Purchases of these heavenly beds are available on the website - top of my Christmas list already.
Another thing to note about The Westin is the offers. Currently they have a summer offer going where you pay 600aed for a night and get 600aed to spend on F&B at the hotel - such a brilliant bargain and a great excuse to get out of town for the night! They are also running golf and spa promotions at the moment. Make sure you stay in the loop and keep checking the website for more fab deals :
http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Abu-Dhabi-Hotel-3401/special-offers?ES=LPS_MENU_LOCALOFFERS_WI_3401_EN_AUH_ME_EAME
The Westin in Abu Dhabi also has 5 restaurants to choose from and a vast in-room dining menu with a selection of healthy options (plus GLUTEN FREE options). Like most in-room dining it is quite expensive and quickly eats into the 600aed credit, however a continental breakfast easily feeds two mouths - its the one off items you need to watch out for.. Cut up carrots and peppers fit to dip in hummus cost a casual 35aed and a small pot of yogurt cost 40aed.. so be sure to check prices before signing any dotted lines.
The staff are friendly and helpful and the weekend was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable without breaking the bank! A great summer escape.
The hotel accommodates 172 rooms, and even the standard rooms are spacious and clean featuring modern furnishing and devices as well as a walk in shower and large deep bath tub! However, the beds are the main highlight of the room! The Westin have there own type of beds named 'Heavenly' beds - the name suiting the product down to a tee! Having not slept 12 hours in probably 2 years, I was out for the count after sinking into this bad boy and struggled to move out of it for the entire weekend. Large, covered in mountains of squishy pillows, topped off with the most comfy mattress I have ever slept on. Purchases of these heavenly beds are available on the website - top of my Christmas list already.
Another thing to note about The Westin is the offers. Currently they have a summer offer going where you pay 600aed for a night and get 600aed to spend on F&B at the hotel - such a brilliant bargain and a great excuse to get out of town for the night! They are also running golf and spa promotions at the moment. Make sure you stay in the loop and keep checking the website for more fab deals :
http://deals.westin.com/Westin-Abu-Dhabi-Hotel-3401/special-offers?ES=LPS_MENU_LOCALOFFERS_WI_3401_EN_AUH_ME_EAME
The Westin in Abu Dhabi also has 5 restaurants to choose from and a vast in-room dining menu with a selection of healthy options (plus GLUTEN FREE options). Like most in-room dining it is quite expensive and quickly eats into the 600aed credit, however a continental breakfast easily feeds two mouths - its the one off items you need to watch out for.. Cut up carrots and peppers fit to dip in hummus cost a casual 35aed and a small pot of yogurt cost 40aed.. so be sure to check prices before signing any dotted lines.
The staff are friendly and helpful and the weekend was incredibly relaxing and enjoyable without breaking the bank! A great summer escape.
Tuesday, 22 July 2014
Ski Dubai - MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Ski Dubai is another one of Dubai's great gimmicky attractions - bringing snow to the desert is definitely a first, and Dubai has managed to do it bigger and better than any indoor ski slope I have ever seen. Offering up a range of activities within the snow dome, there is something on offer for every age group, even can't ski.
The main attraction is obviously the slopes, comprising of two main 'runs' plus a nursery slope for beginners. The main bulk of the snow consists of a black, red and blue run, offering something to fit every ski level. Button and chair lifts ferry people up the mountain and in true Alps style there is a coffee shop mid-way down suitably named Avalanche Cafe to stop and slurp away on a hot choc. There is also a mini ski park where pros can improve there 'slides' and jumps. As much as I love skiing, I am lucky enough to of been a few times and would say I can ski to a certain level.. For people who are skilled on the snow, continually up and down can get a bit tedious, especially on one run and I found it was only fun for about an hour. When this moment comes though, Ski Dubai has plenty more fun on offer to keep you entertained (and cold!) for a while longer.
Lying on 3000 square meters of snow, lies the infamous snow park where activities such as tobogganing and bobsledding are on offer. You can also indulge in the snowball throwing gallery and the snow cavern filled with interactive experiences for all age groups. Snow man building is permitted and occasional flurries of snow swirl down from the sky to add to the mountain experience. Other attractions include large blow up balls where you can sit and be rolled down the mountain - this is something I am yet to try!
If all the above doesn't entice you, then there is always the penguin encounter corner which is sure to brighten up your day. See them waddle and swim and even have a selfie, however please beware that you cannot touch the penguin.. sadly penguin hugging is not permitted.
This is one of Dubai's great novelty experiences, and one to definitely try. Prices vary depending on which activity you choose and if you have the voucher book, be sure to bring this with you when you visit. One more point to note is that even though they supply all garments (boots, skis etc) on arrival, hats and gloves are not included but can be bought at the ski shop on site (for a hefty price of course)
If you do not want to partake in any cold activities, you can always head up to Apres bar (in MOE) which overlooks the slopes. Kick back with a cocktail and watch the fun from afar.
Ski/Snowboarding lessons on request.
The main attraction is obviously the slopes, comprising of two main 'runs' plus a nursery slope for beginners. The main bulk of the snow consists of a black, red and blue run, offering something to fit every ski level. Button and chair lifts ferry people up the mountain and in true Alps style there is a coffee shop mid-way down suitably named Avalanche Cafe to stop and slurp away on a hot choc. There is also a mini ski park where pros can improve there 'slides' and jumps. As much as I love skiing, I am lucky enough to of been a few times and would say I can ski to a certain level.. For people who are skilled on the snow, continually up and down can get a bit tedious, especially on one run and I found it was only fun for about an hour. When this moment comes though, Ski Dubai has plenty more fun on offer to keep you entertained (and cold!) for a while longer.
Lying on 3000 square meters of snow, lies the infamous snow park where activities such as tobogganing and bobsledding are on offer. You can also indulge in the snowball throwing gallery and the snow cavern filled with interactive experiences for all age groups. Snow man building is permitted and occasional flurries of snow swirl down from the sky to add to the mountain experience. Other attractions include large blow up balls where you can sit and be rolled down the mountain - this is something I am yet to try!
If all the above doesn't entice you, then there is always the penguin encounter corner which is sure to brighten up your day. See them waddle and swim and even have a selfie, however please beware that you cannot touch the penguin.. sadly penguin hugging is not permitted.
This is one of Dubai's great novelty experiences, and one to definitely try. Prices vary depending on which activity you choose and if you have the voucher book, be sure to bring this with you when you visit. One more point to note is that even though they supply all garments (boots, skis etc) on arrival, hats and gloves are not included but can be bought at the ski shop on site (for a hefty price of course)
If you do not want to partake in any cold activities, you can always head up to Apres bar (in MOE) which overlooks the slopes. Kick back with a cocktail and watch the fun from afar.
Ski/Snowboarding lessons on request.
MO's - City Walk Dubai
Set amid Dubai's newest alfresco shopping destination sits MO's, my new favorite diner spot in Dubai. Seemingly straight out of American, MO's serves up true USA style diner dishes, offering up shakes to suit every taste bud, burgers, deli style sarnies as well as a selection or month watering mains, appetizers and lets not forget puds, consisting of sundaes, cakes and good old fashion sponge based delights. MO's probably runs one of the larger spaces in City Walk with an outdoor area overlooking the small fountains and shops, and an indoor area, decked out with diner favorites including large light board menus on the walls, high chair seating, squishy sofa booths and a long bar where diners can watch milkshakes being whisked right before their eyes.
The staff greeted us with an abundance of smiles, swiftly placing us in a cozy booth at one side of the restaurant. Shakes were quickly suggested as the drink of choice which I eagerly obliged - its been a while since i consumed a shake! I chose wisely I think, opting for the coconut and pineapple. Creamy, full of flavor but not overly sickly, it was a perfect start to the meal ahead. My companion chose the peanut butter and banana shake, which also was delicious, but probably more of a pudding rather than a drink. Our waiter took us through the menu, picking out the favorites as he went, making it very easy when it came to decision time.
We started with the Crock of Chilli and the Buffalo Wings. The wings were one of the best I have had in Dubai, and my companion (a massive wings fan!) rated them as outstanding complimenting the spice to sauce ratio. The blue cheese sauce partnered the dish superbly, and made a great dipping sauce for the chips! The Crock of Chilli was also delicious, coming with a dollop of sour cream and a generous amount of cheese, however I did struggle to scoop up the chilli on the skinny chips.. We could of kept the table a little less messy if the chips were a bit fatter (so one would be able to scoop up the chilli with a little more ease) or if the chips had come already swimming in the chilli/cheese combo.
For mains we had the famous TNT Shrimp tacos. (TNT Shrimps are a specialty of the Caramel group which MO's is a part of). The ratio of shrimp to sauce was perfect with the taco being the perfect balance between soft and crispy. The only comment I would have about the tacos is that there seemed to be slightly more batter than shrimp, however apart from that they were delightful and would definitely be the dish I recommend to any diner visitor. Also up for mains was the infamous balboa steak sandwich - prime rib combined with cheese and caramelized onions, encased by a garlic bread baguette. This dish is definitely a meal in itself, and not for the faint hearted, but if you are starving, this is the dish for you. Its not too 'bready' and full of flavor- they really have nailed the sandwich on the head.
Even though I was too full to move, our smiley waiter proposed the 'carrot cake' question. A slab of cake appeared in front of us, full of sultanas and accompanied by whipped cream. It was divine - the perfect end to the meal hosting the perfect balance of moist sponge and creamy filling. Two mouthfuls in i was fit to burst so the cake was packed up and came home with me and later consumed by some very happy work colleagues who are now dying to hit up this downtown diner.
MO's is a diamond in the rough when it comes to Dubai diner food - the staff are extremely friendly, the food fantastic and the location suits the restaurant down to a 'T', and even though its slightly on the expensive side for a diner meal, its worth every penny. One point to note though, its no place for dieters, but if you allow a cheat day every now and then, this is the spot for you. I am very much looking forward to going back to try out there awesome breakfast menu!
For more info:
The staff greeted us with an abundance of smiles, swiftly placing us in a cozy booth at one side of the restaurant. Shakes were quickly suggested as the drink of choice which I eagerly obliged - its been a while since i consumed a shake! I chose wisely I think, opting for the coconut and pineapple. Creamy, full of flavor but not overly sickly, it was a perfect start to the meal ahead. My companion chose the peanut butter and banana shake, which also was delicious, but probably more of a pudding rather than a drink. Our waiter took us through the menu, picking out the favorites as he went, making it very easy when it came to decision time.
We started with the Crock of Chilli and the Buffalo Wings. The wings were one of the best I have had in Dubai, and my companion (a massive wings fan!) rated them as outstanding complimenting the spice to sauce ratio. The blue cheese sauce partnered the dish superbly, and made a great dipping sauce for the chips! The Crock of Chilli was also delicious, coming with a dollop of sour cream and a generous amount of cheese, however I did struggle to scoop up the chilli on the skinny chips.. We could of kept the table a little less messy if the chips were a bit fatter (so one would be able to scoop up the chilli with a little more ease) or if the chips had come already swimming in the chilli/cheese combo.
For mains we had the famous TNT Shrimp tacos. (TNT Shrimps are a specialty of the Caramel group which MO's is a part of). The ratio of shrimp to sauce was perfect with the taco being the perfect balance between soft and crispy. The only comment I would have about the tacos is that there seemed to be slightly more batter than shrimp, however apart from that they were delightful and would definitely be the dish I recommend to any diner visitor. Also up for mains was the infamous balboa steak sandwich - prime rib combined with cheese and caramelized onions, encased by a garlic bread baguette. This dish is definitely a meal in itself, and not for the faint hearted, but if you are starving, this is the dish for you. Its not too 'bready' and full of flavor- they really have nailed the sandwich on the head.
Even though I was too full to move, our smiley waiter proposed the 'carrot cake' question. A slab of cake appeared in front of us, full of sultanas and accompanied by whipped cream. It was divine - the perfect end to the meal hosting the perfect balance of moist sponge and creamy filling. Two mouthfuls in i was fit to burst so the cake was packed up and came home with me and later consumed by some very happy work colleagues who are now dying to hit up this downtown diner.
MO's is a diamond in the rough when it comes to Dubai diner food - the staff are extremely friendly, the food fantastic and the location suits the restaurant down to a 'T', and even though its slightly on the expensive side for a diner meal, its worth every penny. One point to note though, its no place for dieters, but if you allow a cheat day every now and then, this is the spot for you. I am very much looking forward to going back to try out there awesome breakfast menu!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MosDubai
Twitter: @MOsDubai
Instagram: @caramelgroup
Sunday, 20 July 2014
The Reform Social and Grill - The Lakes
Hidden among The Lakes compound lies Reform Social & Grill - Dubai's first true Gastro-pub which has flown all the way from the UK and landed with a smack in Dubai. In typical pub grub style, Reform offers up specials every night of the week including Curry nights on a Friday, Roasts on a weekend and Posh Nosh (Scampi and Chicken) on a Wednesday. All deals come with an attractive price tag as well as a glass of booze (wine or beer in traditional English style). As well as all these fun offers, they are also open every other day/night of the week and do a rocking breakfast every morning complete with Eggs Benedict, a Full English and some healthy options thrown in there too!
Located in Emirates Living District of Dubai, the restaurant plus grounds is a 15,000sqft space including idyllic gardens with a great lounge area over looking the Lakes. In the cooler months, the outdoor bar opens up too making Reform the perfect way to spend an afternoon outside in the sun.
I am yet to have a disappointing meal at Reform and I would highly recommend heading down on a Saturday night for a roast. With options of pork and stuffing on the menu, complimented with mountains of spuds, parsnips, carrots and cabbage, its the perfect place to kick back, relax, have a glass of red wine and prepare for the week ahead. The Pork Belly is also particularly good, and the cheese platter complete with quince jelly is mouth watering. They also do a great Bloody Mary and the house wine slips down a treat!
In the cooler months, they also introduce the BBQ... One of my favorite things from the UK. They basically BBQ everything up (steaks, lamb etc), making the place smell delicious.
All attires welcome, just watch out for the kids running out in the winter months - there are plenty about.
Geales - Le Royal Meredien Beach Resort and Spa
These modern digs with its subtle British style is probably my new favorite place to 'chill' in Dubai. Set in the heart of Le Royal Meredien grounds, Geales is admittedly classy with a very obvious touch of comfort on the side. The outdoor terrace which runs the parameter of the restaurant is decked out with high metal stools, low white sofa style seating with union jack cushions and a silver bar containing every sprite under the sun. The interiors mirror a similar style, with white painted walls, black and white photos donning the walls, sofa covered 'coves' where diners can gain some intimacy as well as splendid lounge seating complete with high backed chairs, and the ever familiar union jack cushions. The center piece to Geales has to be the fish bar, decked out with high chairs around the outside - the perfect stop off for a quick bite. The counter is full of fresh fish caught that day with experts floating around to help each customer choose their fish and recommend ways of serving it up.
We started with some 'nibbles' of pineapple and cheddar and salmon carpaccio. Whilst salmon carpaccio is one of my preferred starters, the pineapple and cheddar was by far the most exciting part of the 'nibble'. Never seen on a menu before, this was picnic British food at its best, complete with tooth pick sticks to stab at your food - perfect slice of home. For mains, we shared the Royal Tower. As much as I am a fan of shell fish, this might not of been the best choice on the menu and after a few mouthfuls I was not enjoying it as much as I thought. For the price of the tower, the food on offer was not as good as expected and this spoilt the dinner slightly. Even though it was displayed beautifully, I wouldn't recommend it. Luckily, due to the extensive menu, there will be plenty of other dishes to choose from when I next go back.
The cocktails sampled on the other hand were delicious. They serve an excellent espresso martini as well as other truly tasty British based cocktails including the infamous Pimms - something I look forward to consuming buckets of in the cooler months. The house wine on the other hand wasn't as great, tasting quite bitter (almost like it was slightly corked).
One more thing to note is the service. The most friendly and helpful bunch of people I have come across in Dubai - they always had a smile of their face and were ready to help with every need - I was truly impressed and this fact made up for what lacked in the Royal Tower platter.
A very friendly, relaxing and homely place, which I can imagine comes to life in the cooler months - definitely worth a try.
Tuesday, 15 July 2014
Introducing the 'Proud Whopper'
Burger King has introduced the new Proud Whopper for a limited time only to support Gay Pride 2014 in San Fran. Rightly so, this clever and goosebump-inducing message/advert has clocked up 4.5million views and has pushed this hard hitting message out into the world with the help of their burgers - well done Mr King!
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBkAAortU_g
One man, One piano
An average song, with 30 impressions.. Rob Cantor blasts out his new song, "Perfect" taking on a different celebrity/character at every turn. Ranging from Kermit to Gwen Stefani, Flipper (yes..as in the dolphin) to Shakira, this tune is one to brighten up any Tuesday Blues.
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6PxMRUgmbA
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6PxMRUgmbA
#CastMeMarc
Marc Jacobs is set to launch a new campaign
starring fans who posted selfies on Instagram and Twitter.
The luxury fashion brand photographed nine
fans for the campaign, which will debut in the August issue of Teen Vogue,
after a global search in April that saw over 70,000 eager entrants post selfies
of themselves using the hashtag #castmemarc.
Jacobs, along with casting director Anita
Bitton and the brand’s creative directors Luella Bartley and Katie Hillier,
selected 30 finalists which were then whittled down after a casting process.
WATCH HERE TO FIND OUT MORE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywg-_kHbJyo
Unsung Hero
No words needed..
By Ogilvy and Mather Bangkok, for Thai Life Insurance.
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU
By Ogilvy and Mather Bangkok, for Thai Life Insurance.
WATCH HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaWA2GbcnJU
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