On the radar this weekend we’ve got an awful lot of things for you to do – with perfect Dubai days it’s time to get out and experience some al fresco food and drink, mind-expanding art and a good old afternoon tea…
SPENDING THE DAY AT THE MARKET AT THE BEACH
JBR beach front is buzzing with energy on just about everyday of the week, but the new Saturday market is an exciting hive of activity. Running all day from 10am – 10pm, the market vendors offer a mix of organic food, local produce and handcrafted goods. This weekend sees the introduction of several new vendors including Coco Express (pictured above) who offer delicious fresh king coconut juice cultivated in Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Also keep an eye out for Studio Manhattan that sells bags, purses and wallets made from paintings and Organic Oasis who’ll be selling local organic produce.
INDULGING AT THE NEW RHODES W1 AFTERNOON TEA
The British tradition of Afternoon Tea is one of our most decadent and delightful treats, so we were absolutely thrilled to hear that the new Gary Rhodes restaurant Rhodes W1 at Grosvenor House Dubai is now offering a revamped take on this centuries old indulgence. The menu includes quail egg mayonnaise and cress and cream cheese mini finger sandwiches, onion and herb Croque Monsieur. Then on to our most favourite thing in the world – freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream as well as homemade warm crumpets with fresh raspberries. There are two menu options to choose from, the Classic Afternoon Tea – a choice of hot and soft beverages and fresh fruit juices at Dhs195 per person, or the Laurent Perrier Afternoon Tea, which comes with a choice of hot and soft beverages and a glass of Laurent Perrier bubbles, priced at Dhs340 per person served from Wednesday to Saturday, 2.30pm – 5pm. For more information or for restaurant reservations, call (04) 3176000.
GETTING ROMANTIC AT THE PARK HYATT WEDDING SHOWCASE
In case you’ve missed it, our spring/summer 2015 edition of Emirates Bride is on shelves now and bagged with our romantic February issue of Emirates Woman. There are 82 pages packed full of wedding inspiration, but we know you can never get too excited about the Big Day so we suggest you also head down to the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi for their Wedding Showcase on Saturday (February 7) from 12pm – 8pm. This one-day boutique event on Saadiyat Island is a must for all bride and grooms looking to make their day a unique experience. RSVP for the event by calling (02) 4071109 or emailing wedding.abudhabi.park@hyatt.com.
FEASTING AT THE DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL’S BEACH CANTEEN
Our favourite Dubai Food Festival concept is back again this year – the home-grown restaurant pop-up Beach Canteen. Set up on the popular Kite Beach in Jumeirah, foodies can expect to find nine different local restaurant concepts, along with local bands, DJs, children’s activities and beach sports. Each weekend there will also be special guests and celebrity chefs. This weekend (February 6-7) Saudi Chef Yousef Khamayes will be wooing your taste buds. For more information, visit here.
MEETING THE ARTIST SAMIRA ABBASSY AT XVA GALLERY
It’s always a special treat to meet the artist at an exhibition opening, and this weekend we’re looking forward to meeting Iranian born, New York-based artist Samira Abbassy at her solo show entitled An Autobiography & Other Confessions at the XVA Gallery in Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Abbassy’s works explore ideas of cultural identity as expressed through self-portraits and re-interpreted stories of her homeland. The opening will take place this Saturday (February 7) from 6 – 9pm and the exhibition will run from February 7 – April 1. For more information, visit here.
SHOPPING AT THE CONCEPT 01 POP-UP AT THE MINE
In an effort to promote the vast and burgeoning local talent the UAE has to offer, the all-female collective Concept (comprising of local artists, fashion designers, jewelry designers and entrepreneurs) are launching a series of pop-up events to support and showcase local creative ideas and entrepreneurs. The first of these events will be held at The Mine in Al Quoz this Saturday (February 7) from 11am-6pm. Saudi-Lebanese fashion consultant and designer, Alanoud Badr, most commonly know as Lady Fozaza will host the Concept 01 Pop-Up event which will include vendors Bubbles And Boba, Phioro, Little Rocker, fishfayce, TheDressroom.com, Aina, The Hot Box Kit, Kitsch Counter, Dalia El-ali, Mayflower flower shop, Jewels Boutiqe, Racha Elabbas Label, ChikaliciousME, The Nail Pavilion, Vik Jethwani Fine Jewellery, Lady Fozaza, and Socialista Boutique. For more information visit here.
SIPPING ON A LIMITED EDITION JUICE FROM WAGAMAMA
If you’ve not been down to Wagamama lately you’ve definitely missed out on their new menu. In addition to the new fresh Asian meal options they’ve introduced a few limited edition juices to try. From the beginning of February until March 31 they are offering the choice of zesty green, ruby root or vital juice. Jam-packed with fresh nutritious goodness these juices are a great way to start your day or to accompany a meal. For more information, visit here.
Image: Comma AW14, Maria Senvo Bridal
