Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Party Pics: Diademas Cigar Party

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Care for a extremely rare $600 stogie on your way to the next best thing?

You’ll find it, among other cigar rituals, at the most posh address for the discerning aficionado:

The Diademas Cigar Lounge at the H-Hotel in Dubai.

Named after an extremely rare, and sought after Cuban blend, The Diademas Cigar, the lounge is the newest addition to the burgeoning cigar scene in Dubai.

However, be forewarned, this Lounge is not for a beginner or a cigar wanna-be.

But first more about the Diademas, as explained to us by the F&B Manager of the H Hotel, Matthew Randall:

“Wrapped in the trappings of heraldry, a Diademas cigar comes individually coated in their own aluminum armour. Some seek these cigar simply for their knightly guise but the Diademas are an enticing Figurado with a complex and multi faceted smoke,” he says.

“The blend of the bunch stabs out herbaceous tendencies and then parries these with slashes of mocha, coffee and caramel,” adds the suave Brit. “Tending to the Diademas bawdy variations in the burn will take advanced smoking skill so make sure you know how refined your skills are!

The cigars are no longer in smoking circulation and hence rare. Randall found a way to Buy this on Amazon and the moment he saw them he knew he had hit a pot of gold and endless cigar destiny. He bought as many he could lay his hands on and they are now displayed for sale with pride at the Lounge.

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If you would like to smoke one of his very few Diademas’ (pictured here) it will put you back a mere $600USD.

And last week, to celebrate the lounge and post-Holiday stress, his bar manager, the effable Vasco Edgar (seen in the pictures cocktailing) invited a group of cigar aficionados to a cigar party replete with a cigar roller (a female one at that!) at a prix-fixe bash featuring libations and a hand rolled Cuban.

There are many cigar lounges in Dubai but none that takes itself more seriously than this one. The pace is relaxed, but the attention to detail, quite unimaginably, is right down to the the last puff.

There are no “cigar sommeliers” or bartenders or servers with a Cuban degree and recitation here, but a staff of two extremely dedicated, and vigilant, Vasco and Mahesh, that work in tandem like a chef and his lieutenants except nobody is barking orders.

The focus, unlike other cigar venues in Dubai, is not to rush you a bar tab billed to your room, but rather let the smoke take you places you have been before and want to return over and over again.

The Lounge plans to open a members club with regular events and parties so that once the ash is settled you are ready to puff away to glory, so let cigar bygones be bygones and enjoy your next stogie here.

Vasco and Mahesh will be there when you cross the cigar shores.

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Eataly Truffle

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Eataly celebrates truffle season with launch of new ‘Truffle Restaurant’

Fine food lovers of the UAE welcomed to sample truffle dishes at Eataly’s newly opened ‘Truffle Restaurant’

Eataly, the popular authentic Italian restaurant and market located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall, launches a Truffle Restaurant, dedicated to discovering the Umbrian white truffle, which comes into season in November.

Partnering with Urbani Tartufi, one of the most prestigious truffle distributors in the world, Eataly’s permanent Truffle Restaurant will bring the best selection of white truffles to fine food lovers in Dubai.

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Chef Hadi El Awar of Eataly comments: “Truffle season is upon us and we are very excited to launch Eataly’s new permanent Truffle Restaurant in celebration of this beautiful ingredient. As part of this, we are delighted to welcome three of Italy’s most celebrated master chefs as part of the Italian Cuisine World Summit to cook these delicacies and show to our guest’s how to bring out the sublime flavor of the truffles we have available.”

Special truffle dishes available from Eataly’s Truffle Restaurant menu include:

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Uova In Camicia Al Tartufo Bianco – Italian organic poached eggs on a bed of homemade rustic bread and fontina, cream topped with shaved truffles

The artisan bread supplier is a retail and wholesale baking company offering a wide selection of traditionally made bread, pastries, pies, and cakes.

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Pizza Al Tartufo Bianco – fresh white asparagus, mozzarella cheese, parmigiano reggiano, organic egg topped with shaved truffles

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Tagliolini Al Tartufo Bianco E Pane Croccante – fresh egg tagliolini served with sage sauce and aromatic breadcrumbs, topped with shaved truffles

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Risotto Al Tartufo Bianco – gallo risotto served with parmigiano salsa and shaved white truffles.

About Eataly

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The idea behind Eataly is very simple: to gather a variety of high-quality Italian foods under one roof where people can eat, shop and learn. As an original “marketplace”, Eataly invites customers to be active participants in an innovative tasting experience, as they move between sections savoring the high quality traditional Italian foods, beverages, produce and artisanal products on offer, or try new dishes and products from Eataly’s regularly changing regional highlights.

Since its inception in 2002, when the first store opened in Turin after five years of research and planning, Eataly has been inspired by sustainability, responsibility and sharing. Its commitment to bringing the best quality produce from all corners of Italy, results in a network of over 2,000 small suppliers. Promising choice, accessibility and knowledge, Eataly affords any lover of Italian food a place in which to enjoy, savour and discover.

Eataly is operated by the The Azadea Group, a premier fashion and lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 55 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods and multimedia across the Middle East and Africa spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 600 stores. For more information on Eataly and The Azadea Group visit http://www.azadea.com.

 

 

The Expats Club

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Dubai is home, albeit temporarily, to more than 200 nationalities from around the globe, and that slow-burning melting pot marinates day after day in a desert-like formation only to converge at the doorstep of Darshan (Raj) Bijur (Blue shirt, blue suit in picture above).

That’s because Raj runs a socially efficient human networking platform that is coveted by both single- and job-weary expats from pretty much anywhere in the world who happen to land at Dubai’s doorstep in search of the next big whatever.

This why they call Raj the “Prince of Networking “ in Dubai. To know Raj is to know the who’s who of Dubai when it comes to landing the next job, the next relationship, the all-in-one socio-business juxtaposition.

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His group is called The Expats Club (http://www.theexpatsclub.net) and he is an affable yet charming social promoter of the highest order who throws more than 60 social and business networking events a year in and around hoite poite restaurants and venues all across Dubai.

Raj has been at it for 2.5 years throwing the expat get-togethers and bringing people together.

“People have forgotten how to connect,” says Raj holding a glass of wine and eyeing the room at a recent bash he hosted that we attended recently in Dubai. “There is such a huge potential for social lubrication” he says referring to today’s society at large living in dotcom glass houses serving domain name bubbles to each other.

Raj helps people whether they have just moved to Dubai, or are in between relationships, or even in between jobs, and invites them to his events and holds no judgments or regrets when they come.

“I don’t care what someone’s social status is when they attend my parties,” says Raj. “People in expat situations need company no matter what. They could be married, they could be single.”

A financial consultant by day, Raj has helped countless professionals around the world by inviting them to his parties and arming them with a name badge and nudging them out of their social cocoons to put their best hand forward and smile upon the room.

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Some of the people we surveyed at the party were shy. Some were nervous. Some hadn’t really been to a networking event so didn’t know what to expect. And some that were looking for the next job didn’t want to be seen at the event!

In a hour or so after a round or two of wine (included in the entry fee) people had started to shed their inhibitions and began to warm up to the idea of pressing flesh in melted handshakes as Raj subtly guided the room from one end of the majestic bar to the other, but often to leave most of the attendees to fend for themselves.

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The Expats Club is a membership-based organization and people join when they search for events on the web for Dubai, or through world of mouth. It isn’t suffocating by any means. Raj diligently responds to all membership inquiries, takes phone calls and emails at all odd hours, and is social-media savvy and posts events and updates on Facebook and LinkedIn quite frequently to keep his flock in the know.

You really don’t have to know anybody to go and once you are there you just let the evening do the talking.

Some of the activities that The Expats Club organizes include:

  • Cocktails, music and dance functions
  • Brunches, lunches, dinners and wine tasting
  • Theatre, cinema and music performances
  • Cruises, Safaris and amusement park trips
  • Diving, yoga, camping and trekking
  • Group holidays

His network currently exists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, London (that’s where he is from but an Indian by ancestry), Singapore and Hong Kong.

Raj’s next big adventure is a Valentine’s Day Bash he has planned for Valentine’s Day Feb. 12 at an undisclosed venue (the details are only disclosed to paying members who register) through a YouTube teaser:

Membership to The Expat Club is open but costs 300 Dirhams ($80USD) a year for Men and 200 ($55USD) Dirhams a year for women and when one someone joins, they always get a discounted rate to each event he throws so that more than makes up for the membership dues.

You can pay hundreds of Dirhams in a lobby bar in Dubai and meet people from around the world. Dubai is after all the most connected and well-oiled upscale supermarket of the world where anything can be had and achieved at any time and at price.

But Raj’s efforts, and his parties, are priceless.

Vii Dubai

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The Vii Club, a luxurious, modern and elegant nightclub, features exotic mahogany wood-finished walls, deep plum furniture, bespoke designed DJ booths, dance floor, VIP areas and a signature wall made of gold coins. The venue can accommodate 500 party connoisseurs who will all be easily enchanted by the eclectic mix of commercial dance music courtesy of DJs who guarantee the party is pumping till late. Guests can also watch out for surprise celebrity guest performers who are bound to stir the night into an even more electrifying direction. Dubai’s most sought-after mixologists will also be taking over the bar serving an endless and exotic array of signature drinks to ensure guests can pick their perfect poison. The Vii Club is open every Thursday and Friday from 10:30pm to 3:00am.

Vii Dubai, the city’s newest terrace bar and lounge, is located in the Conrad Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road. Tucked away on the seventh floor of the hotel, Vii Dubai is where the urban sky meets an unspoilt lush garden. The journey to discovering this hidden gem starts through a spectacular lounge, and an artfully crafted tunnel walk which eventually unveils what can only be described as a plush garden filled with all things green and radiant. Spread across 4,000 square feet, Vii Dubai can comfortably accommodate 250 people all invited to drink and done al fresco.

See more on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/VIIDubai/

 

Party Pics: A Date with Dubai 2015

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With this year’s event on the horizon, let’s look back at last year!

On January 16, 2015 was held “A Gala Day in Dubai” with Golf and Tennis in the Morning, Boat Cruise with Culture which is made in boats from lauderdaleboatrentals.net, and also Open Business Bar in the Afternoon, Arabian Gala Night with Entertainment in the Evening.

Join up in time for this year’s event! Visit http://activitydate.com/

Party Pics: The Good Life

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VIRTUOZITY HOSTED AN EVENING of cigars at the trendy, Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen & Lounge at Le Royal Meridien Hotel. The venue was the perfect location to sit back and relax on its outdoor patio and escape the rush of the bustling city life with a selection of cigars. Guests enjoyed sipping on a range of wines and spirits while enjoying the smooth chill-out beats. The restaurant offered a culinary mix of Mexican cuisine from shrimp ceviche, queso fundido and their signature Maya nachos with guacamole and salsa dips, which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Guests were offered two cigars, a Por Larranaga regional edition (Asia Pacific) and a Bolivar Belicosos Finos. The Por Larranaga Robusto is hand-made in Cuba and was released in 2007. It measures 124 x 20mm and has a shiny, oily natural brown wrapper with small veins. Pre-light, the cigar has notes of spice with hints of sugar detected. Once lit, the first draw is flavourless but soon it has a combination of spice and sweetness. Flavours of caramel, honey and black pepper start to form but change at the second third. The sweetness remains but flavours of cedar start to emerge. The last third becomes quite heavy as the sweetness is overtaken by earth and wood.

The second cigar was a handmade Cuban Bolivar Belicosos Finos. A classic torpedo, this cigar is known for its full-bodied mix of flavours and it is known in Cuba as a campana in cigar factories. It has a plump 52 ring gauge with a well-detailed band which is removed easily. The wrapper was a shiny chocolate brown and it had a solid construction. The pre-light draw was nothing special but once lit flavours of wood and roasted spice came through. The second third was thick and creamy with hazelnut while the last third became extremely powerful and strong. To celebrate Virtuozity’s fifth anniversary guests were treated to champagne, the Glen Grant 1992 Cellar Reserve and the Glen Grant 10. The delightful canapés and drinks complemented these cigars perfectly. Al Nabooda Automobiles displayed one of their cars, the Panamera 4s Executive for all to see. After a wonderful evening guests were treated to gift bags from the sponsor of the evening, Porsche Dubai and the partner, Perfume Holding. Ladies walked away with a bottle of La Perla perfume while men were treated to the Ducati Cologne.

More pics (click any image to view slideshow):

 

Gulfood

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Established over 20 years ago, Gulfood has a well-deserved reputation within the food and hospitality industry, delivering spectacular returns on investment. Under the theme ‘International Flavours, World Class Business’, Gulfood 2014 provided a vast trade and sourcing platform for exporters, buyers, exhibitors and visitors alike, as well as hosting a number of lucrative networking opportunities, competitions and live events.

Gulfood has become the global hub for the highest quality F&B products and a trusted partner worldwide.

As the world’s largest annual food and hospitality show, Gulfood is where the latest tastes, trends and innovations are unveiled. It’s where the global food industry meets to trade, so you can benchmark price, quality, service, reliability and consistency.

Gulfood 2016

Biggest show ever

More exhibits
More products.
The big brands.

Global producers

Over 5,000 exhibitors.
Biggest European showcase ever.
Largest South American participation.
More than 114 country pavilions.

Dubai Restaurant Week

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The inaugural Dubai Restaurant Week will take place from 25 February to 5 March 2016 and will include amazing menus from 30 of the best-known and loved fine dining restaurants in the city. This is an exclusive opportunity to sample some of the top spots on your to-try list at an incredible price as all participating restaurants will offer menus at only AED189. See the impressive list of participating restaurants below. These restaurants are sure to sell-out so book your table early.

Alta Badia

Emirates Towers Hotel

Alta Badia delivers authentic Italian cuisine inspired by a region where recipes are steeped in a longstanding tradition of excellence.

Book now

Ashiana by Vineet

Sheraton Dubai Creek

Connoisseurs of fine Indian food will adore the creations coming out of Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia’s kitchen.

Book now

Atelier M

Pier 7, Dubai Marina

A visit to Atelier M will land you sweeping views of the Dubai Marina and a menu that boasts a wide variety of elevated Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

Book now

Boca

DIFC

A celebration of the Mediterranean coast in the heart of Dubai, Boca specialises in simplicity.

Book now

Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay

Atlantis The Palm

Gordon Ramsay’s most recent project, a laid-back European dining concept, opened recently to rave reviews.

Book now

Café Belge

Ritz Carlton DIFC

Sourcing inspiration from 1920s Brussels, Café Belge is known for churning out delicious Belgian classics.

Book now

Fogueira

JBR

Fogueira, an authentic Brazilian Churrascaria, is a great choice for those with a serious appetite.

Book now

Fume

Pier 7, Dubai Marina

Unique perspectives on classic comfort food and an eclectic atmosphere help you feel right at home in Fume.

Book now

Garden

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Peruvian flavours and dishes meant for sharing make Garden an ideal spot to spend with friends.

Book now

Hoi An

Shangri-La

Authentic Vietnamese cuisine and comfortable ambiance await at Hoi An in the Shangri-La Hotel.

Book now

Junoon

Shangri-La

Chef Vikas Khanna’s new iteration of his Michelin-starred New York restaurant has impressed lovers of Indian food since it opened in Dubai.

Book now

JW’s Steakhouse

JW Marriott Dubai

Enjoy an indulgent cut of meat from the comfort of a leather armchair in this intimate steakhouse.

Book now

Kiku

Le Meridien Dubai

Have a seat at the sushi counter or watch the live teppanyaki show at one of Dubai’s top spots for authentic Japanese cuisine.

Book now

Mint Leaf of London

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For fabulous Indian food with a view, head to the 15th Floor of Emirates Financial Tower.

Book now

Okku

The H Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road

One of Dubai’s most awarded restaurants, Okku is a must for high-end Japanese cuisine.

Book now

Pai Thai

Dar Al Masyaf Hotel, Madinat Jumeirah

For a romantic evening and must-try Thai food, take an abra to Pai Thai in Madinat Jumeirah.

Book now

Positano

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

The Amalfi coast meets Dubai with Positano’s selection of authentic Italian cuisine.

Book now

Qbara

Oud Metha

Qbara celebrates Middle Eastern cuisine with a unique, contemporary twist.

Book now

Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

The décor is surpassed only by the food coming out of this contemporary Indian restaurant.

Book now

Rivington Grill

Souk Al Bahar

Boasting some of the best British bites in town, Rivington Grill is a great dining option.

Book now

Sea Fu

Four Seasons Dubai

This is the place to come when you crave fresh seafood, spectacular views and an ocean breeze.

Book now

Seven Sands

The Beach JBR

Seven Sands serves authentic cuisine inspired by our seven Emirates from a stunning beachside location.

Book now

Social by Heinz Beck

Waldorf Astoria, Palm Jumeirah

Enjoy a modern interpretation of traditional Italian dishes with a stunning view of the city.

Book now

The Croft

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites

Locally-sourced, organic products are the heart behind Darren Velvick’s new restaurant.

Book now

The Hide

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah

The Hide features a fresh perspective on American cuisine with a creative, meat-focused menu.

Book now

The Ivy

Emirates Towers Hotel

The super-stylish brasserie features an elevated twist on international favourites.

Book now

Thiptara

The Palace, Downtown Dubai

With a name that translates to ‘magic at the water,’ this Thai restaurant has an impressive seafood offering.

Book now

Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo

Sheraton Dubai Creek

Stunning views of Dubai Creek pair well with the expertly crafted Italian specialties from chef Alfredo Russo.

Book now

Yuan

Atlantis The Palm

Yuan serves an extensive menu of traditional Cantonese and Szechuan dishes complemented by Western cooking methods.

Book now

Zheng He’s

Mina A’Salam, Madinat Jumeirah

Zheng He’s is one of Dubai’s most loved restaurants—offering great Chinese dining.

Book now


For more information visit http://dubaifoodfestival.com/whats-on/dubai-restaurant-week/

 

Dubai Food Festival

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The Dubai Food Festival is the only truly citywide food festival in the Middle East. Held every year, it celebrates Dubai’s emergence as a gastronomic destination. The festival offers a calendar of exciting food-related events and promotions, highlighting Dubai’s unique food scene, its personalities and its world-class dining experiences.

With over 200 nationalities living in Dubai, the Dubai Food Festival reveals the diversity and creativity in our culinary offerings—from gourmet and avant-garde restaurant concepts to local haunts and hidden gems.

The Dubai Food Festival 2016 will be held from 25 February to 12 March 2016.

Dubai Food Festival is organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). It is part of a larger strategy to develop a year-round programme of citywide festivals that contributes to the growth of tourism and retail sectors in Dubai.

For more information visit http://dubaifoodfestival.com/about-dff/

Yoga Dubai

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The Festival

The whole of Dubai will be closing their eyes, focusing their minds, breathing slowly in and slowly out on the weekend of 19-20 February 2016 when the city holds its inaugural festival focusing on yoga and the full 360 holistic lifestyle. Entitled XYoga, this festival is being launched by XDubai in partnership with Dubai Tourism, with the aim of positioning Dubai as the leading destination for yoga in the region.

Globally-recognised yogis will be offering classes in the full array of yoga styles, from Vinyasa to AcroYoga, with opportunities for all, from complete beginners to yoga instructors and from children to pregnant ladies and athletes. Retailers will set up stalls in the village selling yoga clothing, healthy eating products and all the accessories that ensure a healthy balance between mind and body.

Up to 10,000 people are expected to join in the mass yoga sessions that will be taking place on the first day of the event in what is anticipated to be the largest mind-body festival in the region.

Entertainment will also be on tap, with live bands and DJ sets and what’s more, it’s completely free! So whether you’ve never done yoga before or even if you’re an avid yogi wanting to learn more from the experts, head down to XYoga and strike a pose!

For more information: http://xyogadubai.com/index.html

 

Sicilia

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Sicilia! Countryside Italian dining in Dubai.

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Rustic and simple home-style Italian cooking with a Sicilian edge is what this unpretentious family restaurant with its wood fire oven offers you.  Sicilia embraces a “Grotto” philosophy of “cook what is fresh today”.

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Guests will be forgiven for thinking that the authentic cuisine coupled with a fine bottle of wine are imported straight from a sunny, countryside village home in Sicily.

  • Seasonal ingredients
  • Home-style cooking
  • Wood fire oven for pizza
  • Great family atmosphere

 

Chef Stefano Ligori

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With almost two decades’ experience, Chef Stefano has mastered the skill of adding his personal zest to traditional delicacies without compromising the authenticity of Italian cuisine. His guests can almost “taste” the immense love for what he does in every single dish he makes.

Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai | Adjacent to Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall | P.O.Box 211508  Dubai, UAE
+971 4 444 0000 | dine.ibnbattuta@moevenpick.com