The weekend is finally here, and we’re going to make the most of it with insane shakes, fashion pop-ups, new restaurants, and Beyonce dance classes…
Thursday November 10
Grab yourself a naughty treat
Yes, Dubai has finally succumbed to the “Monster Shake” phenomenon sweeping the world. Walnut Grove in City Walk have just launched a decadent range of milkshakes, and there’s flavours for every palate – all loaded with something extra, from blobs of cake to cookie chunks and lashings of cream. Sure, they’re like a day’s worth of calories in one sitting… but hey, that’s what weekends are for, right?
City Walk, Al Safa Street. 8am to 1am. Tel: (04) 344 4441. facebook.com/walnutgrovedubai.
Have an extra-special dinner at a Dubai institution
One of the city’s favourite French restaurants is celebrating its sixth birthday this weekend, so to mark the occasion, a top musical act will be playing live for two nights only (tonight and Friday). The Gypsy Queens, a French pop band who’ve performed at private parties thrown by celebs like Elton John, will be serenading diners as they tuck into dishes such as burratta, warm prawns, grilled lamb cutlets, and baked sea bream.
La Petite Maison, DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, dinner served 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.ae.
Friday November 11
See three big-hitting bands
It’s the third annual Party In The Park, and to celebrate, three huge British bands will take to the stage atDubai Media City Amphitheatre. The Kaiser Chiefs, The Charlatans and Travis are headlining the one-day music festival, and that’s not all – you’ll also find top local DJs, heaps and food and drink, and some cool crafty stores.
Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Fri 2pm to midnight, Dhs350, Dhs650 brunch, Dhs1,200 VIP. Tel: (04) 4273097. Buy tickets here or here.
Check out a cool new pop-up
If your wardrobe’s looking a little pokey, now’s a good time to remedy that. Boutique 1 in Mall of the Emirates is going to be hosting a collection of jewellery and womenswear by US label Jessie Western – but it’s only there for a limited time. Expect authentic Native American Indian fashion (the brand support over 4,000 artists in Arizona and its surrounds), with a focus on rare turquoise.
Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha 1. 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3951200. boutique1.com.
Take the whole family (dog included) out for lunch
Now that the weather’s lovely, we’re all enjoying a bit of sunshine without fear of getting as toasted as a pita bread. So, in the sweet, sweet respite of autumn, make the most of Senara’s new Harbourside BBQ, which takes place every Friday and Saturday from 12pm onwards. Choose from three items off their menu for Dhs99, including burgers, sausages, veggie skewers, baked potatoes and more. Oh, and it’s pooch-friendly. So if you don’t fancy leaving the dog at home, they’re more than welcome to come along.
Palm Views, West Marina, Palm Jumeirah. Fri 12pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4516460. senararestaurants.com.
Saturday November 12
Head to this new beachside restaurant
Foodies, listen up – Aji is a new spot down on the Palm Jumeirah, serving up local Peruvian dishes using Japanese flavours and techniques. Expect dishes along the lines of sushi, ceviche and tiradito, as well as soft shell crab with escabechado sauce and more. It’s a scenic spot too, with a large terrace giving up sweeping views of the shoreline.
Club Visa Mare, Palm Jumeirah. Sat to Weds 12pm to 2am, Thur to Fri 12pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 5520244. aji.ae.
Get your Beyoncé on
If you want to learn to shake it to Single Ladies using some of Queen Bey’s signature moves, then this new dance class at Dubai Marina’s Pole Fit is for you. Bring your stilettos too, the team say they’re key to mastering the steps.
Pole First, ground floor, Marina Sail Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat 4.30pm, Dhs75. Tel: (04) 551 6911. polefitdubai.com.
Snack while you shop
Remember Hangry Hangar, the indoor food truck park pop-up over the summer? Well the people behind it have launched a new concept at Dubai Garden Centre, and it’s called The Food Truck Yard. For the next two months, you’ll find a truck on site serving up street food from around the world for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, 10am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 590 4333. facebook.com/dubaigardencentre.
Images: Supplied