Dubai, UAE: Award-winning Italian restaurant Luiga, located at the Rixos Premium in JBR, has unveiled a new range of desserts to make guests’ dining experiences even more memorable.
Five new flavorful treats have been added to Luigia’s desserts’ line-up including Z-Brest, Bombolon and new variations to the most popular classics like Tiramisù al Pistacchio, Babà al Pistacchio and Cheesecake al Pistacchio. Also available is the signature Luigino ice cream that comes in strawberry, lemon and mango flavors that kids will surely love.
Z-Brest is Luigia’s signature dish and the chef’s version of the Paris-Brest, consisting of a ring of choux pastries filled with either Nutella and Luigia cream, Luigia cream and strawberries or, Tiramisu cream.
Babà Pistacchio is a rum cake with whipped cream and pistachio cream. Luigia is also adding a new pistachio flavor, full of pistachios throughout the cheesecake and crust, a great addition to its heavenly selection of strawberry and chocolate cheesecakes.
The classic Bombolon, irresistibly light and delicious Italian doughnuts that are fried, coated in granulated sugar are served in three little pieces stuffed with Luigia cream, Nutella and pistachios. The delicious Tiramisu has a new pistachio flavor for a unique and distinct taste.
The Luigino ice cream, made from fresh, seasonal fruits, is sure to become kids’ favorite and since it does not contain milk the ice cream is suitable for those looking for vegan options.
“Desserts are an important part of every Italian meal, so we have added new variations to our selection to make dining even more enjoyable. Luigia believes that good food has a way of bringing families together and this has inspired us to continue creating dishes that will appeal to all of our customers,” says Antonio Lagrutta, General Manager.
Taste the tempting desserts to complete your hearty meal at Luigia. For reservations contact +971 (0)4 349 6950, WhatsApp +971 55 4287540 or visit www.luigia.ae
Founded by Luigi Guarnaccia and Enrico Coppola. Luigia is an elegant yet casual Italian eatery that brings authentic Italian home cooking to Dubai. The Dubai venue has been lovingly brought over from its birthplace of Genova at the beginning of 2018. Luigia Dubai is the first restaurant to open outside of Switzerland, and the fifth chain to open globally, with more international openings on the horizon.
DUBAI, UAE: The Meydan Hotel and Dubai Food Festival (DFF) invites you to follow the flavors with a “foodcation” extravaganza like no other. Immerse yourself in a two-night stay with majestic views of the hotel’s iconic racecourse from March 25 to April 17. Available at AED 1,298 for two persons, this two-night stay is sure to be a hit with you and your loved ones as you experience the Meydan’s culinary finesse.
Bring your family and your favorite foodie friends to a Foodcation of a lifetime! With nearly three days perfectly tailored just for you to explore a variety of culinary treats, The Meydan Hotel promises memories you will cherish forever.
Your Foodcation culinary journey begins as you check-in to The Meydan Hotel at 3PM with a delicious cheese platter and a superb view to greet you. Dive into a sumptuous three-course set menu dinner at Farriers, the hotel’s signature dining venue where a menu filled with Royal Smoked Salmon, the Roasted Bell Pepper Terrine and more awaits. As you dive into signature dishes such as the Grill Beef Fillet Tenderloin, Mezzaluna Pasta and more, listen to the story behind the dishes from the Chef de Cuisine himself! What’s more is that your stay includes a 20% discount on all beverages throughout your stay, guaranteeing you good vibes and great times.
Kick off day two with the hotel’s much-lauded balcony breakfast where you can choose between continental or Arabic breakfast with freshly baked pastries to make your mornings sweeter.
For lunch, make use of the great weather and enjoy Millennium Lounge’s winter garden where you decide between a quintessential Afternoon Tea experience or the Signature Slider Combo where the Wagyu Beef Sliders are a must-try. Wrap up your two-day staycation with a luxurious breakfast spread at Farriers the next morning which we’re sure will make it on your Instagram feed.
If you are a foodie wishing to explore culinary delights paired with contemporary luxury, Foodcation at The Meydan Hotel is just what you need. Enjoy a 3-day weekend getaway for AED 1,298 and delight in beverages for a 20% discount all throughout your stay.
For reservations, please email Restaurant.ReservationsTMH@meydanhotels.com , call +971 4 381 3111, WhatsApp +971 56 525 4040 or visit www.themeydanhotels.com/foodcation
Dubai, UAE: Thrilling desert adventure and gastronomical delights come together at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort’s “Foodcation,” launching just in time for the eighth edition of the Dubai Food Festival.
Fans of Middle East’s leading desert resort will be thrilled to experience the property’s hospitality while enjoying an exquisite culinary journey from March 25 to April 17.
Priced at AED 2,500 for two people, this two-night stay begins with a late check-in at the resort followed by a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Al Hadheerah, where dinner is served across eight live cooking stations. Choose from traditional underground cooked Ouzi, manakish or shawarma and mixed grills while our chef de cuisine lets you in on his secret recipes and shares the inspiration behind his signature dishes. Sweeten your evening further with sumptuous desserts such including Um ali and kunafa.
Day two starts with a refreshing breakfast spread at Al Forsan where views of the tranquil desert dunes keep your mesmerized while you tuck into a personalized basket of viennoiserie, bakery items, cold cuts and cheeses. Continue your day of culinary indulgence with lunch by the infinity pool offering panoramic views of the desert. Your spread will include a signature main dish and a fresh fruit platter.
For reservations or more information, call +971 4 809 6150, email BAS.Reservations@meydanhotels.com, or visit babalshams.com!
Dubai, UAE: The average person spends about 26 years of their life sleeping – that’s 9,490 days or 227,760 hours. But we also spend around seven years of our lives trying to get to sleep!
Poor sleeping habits and lack of quality sleep can cause more than just a gloomy unproductive day at work; in the long run, it can adversely impact our mental and physical health, and has been linked to health issues such as a weakened immune system, high blood pressure, mood swings, depression, and reduced cognitive abilities.
In light of World Sleep Day, we must recognize that sleep is an essential pillar of well-being and that the quality of sleep we get directly reflects the quality of life we lead.
The Covid-19 outbreak has made it harder to get a sound slumber at night. In 2020, the Google searches for “insomnia” were higher than ever before as people all over the world found it increasingly challenging to fall asleep due to the anxiety, uncertainty, lack of physical activity, and disruption of regular routine unleashed by the pandemic. In fact, experts have coined a term for this condition – “Coronasomia.”
Most of us will go through sleep issues at some stage in our lives. But the good news is that it can get better, with routine changes and healthy habits going a long way to getting the balance just right.
Brings to mind “Lagom,” a Swedish term that means “just enough.” In essence, it’s all about balance and in today’s fast-paced world, where we’re glued to our smart phones and stuck in a rut of mindless scrolling well into the night, regaining balance and a return to simplicity has never been so important. And no one master simplicity quite like the Swedes.
Here are some top tips that will help you achieve the art of ‘lagom’ and sleeping tighter than ever.
Limit screen time
Most of us find ourselves tossing and turning in bed even if we get to bed early. It may well be because of a common habit many of us have – scrolling through our phones, often mindlessly.
Screentime before sleeping has been shown to alert your brain and deter how fast and long you sleep. The blue light emitted from laptops and phones tricks your brain into thinking it’s day time and suppresses the production of melatonin – the sleep-inducing hormone circulated after dark.
To fall asleep soon after you hit the hay, you don’t have to give up your beloved gadgets completely. However, avoiding using your phone and laptop for the last hour before your sleeping time will pay huge dividends. Try listening to your favorite podcast, reading a book, taking a bath or getting in a quick meditation session to help you relax and sleep more soundly. Go one step further and charge your phone outside your bedroom for maximum impact and to avoid midnight scrolling.
Consistent bedtime
Are you a night owl or an early bird? And what determines that? It is our natural circadian rhythm – which is our body’s 24-hour biological clock that regulates sleeping or being awake at different times of the day.
Consistency of routine is vital in keeping your circadian rhythm in check. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can help set your internal clock and allow your body to sleep better and faster. Aim to set an alarm to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day – yes, even on weekends – no matter how tempting it might be to sleep in. The principle is simple: not too much sleep, not too little, just enough.
An ideal environment
A cosy and tranquil environment plays a major role in speeding up sleep onset and getting peaceful rest during the night. With a few changes and minimum effort, you can turn your bedroom into the ideal sleeping place. Make like the Swedes and aim for your bedroom to be a minimalist, clutter-free zone. Keep things calm, with muted, neutral tones, soft clean sheets and dark curtains for maximum cosiness. Anything that reminds you of work or sends your brain into overdrive needs to go.
Another crucial but underrated factor that influences how well we sleep is the air we breathe. Research has shown that good air quality leads to good quality sleep. However, the indoor air we breathe can often be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air and you might not even feel it, but those little particles and dust lingering in your bedroom can keep you up at night.
Blue 3210, the latest air purifier from Blueair’s Pure range has been designed to remove 99.97% of the airborne particles using its HEPA Silent™ technology. Its superior performance, whisper-quiet design and smart sensor will mean a fresh and relaxing environment for you throughout the night, while its minimalist, Scandi design will add some serious style props to your bedroom.
Getting on your feet
Covid-19 has pushed us into a sedentary lifestyle as we do most things remotely to avoid the risk of getting infected. However, lack of physical exercise can lead to long-term health complications and has been linked to poor sleep quality.
Studies show that even 10 minutes of aerobic exercise such as walking or cycling a day can improve sleep duration and quality. However, when it comes to exercising for a night of restful sleep – timing is key. For years, experts have debated if exercising before going to bed can keep you up as a workout session triggers an increase in your body temperature and a faster heartbeat.
Filipina from Tokyo moves to Dubai, opens a successful Japanese restaurant
Dubai, this city that never sleeps has never ceased to attract dreamers from all over the world for the promise she holds dear to her heart: life-changing moments.
Among them is Virginia Sorongon, a Filipina who grew up in Tokyo and moved to Dubai seven years ago, leaving behind a mollycoddled life to find her proverbial place under the sun.
“I wanted another challenge so I started from zero and worked myself up. I went through all the pain and so many trials,” Sorongon told Dubai Vibes Magazine in a rare, exclusive interview.
Sorongon started out as an all-around staff – cleaner and waitress – at a Japanese dining venue in Dubai back in 2014, making AED1500 a month.
“On my first day of work,” she recalls, “I was asked to clean the toilet.”
“I was crying on the job. I’d go home at 4am and would be back at work by 9am. I didn’t give up,” she added.
Sorongon would become manager only a year later. By 2016, she was making it good as consultant for Japanese restaurants.
“I started investing. I was not anymore a wage earner. I have become an entrepreneur,” she said, beaming with joy.
What made her have it all in spades is the 20 years that Sorongon has spent living in Japan, where she grew up, acquired the culture, learned to use chopsticks, became fluent in Japanese and – perhaps most importantly, fell in love with the food.
Needless to say, Sorongon knew the art of Japanese culinary delights like the back of her hand – and, putting her mind at work, put this to her advantage.
“I told myself, ‘Hey! I can do this. I can make it happen,” she said.
By 2018, Sorongon already has her own Japanese restaurant, which is located in upscale Dubai and where she maintains a steady following of local and expat customers. She employs 13 people including fellow Filipinos. The restaurant seats 52 people during pre-covid times. It also has an average 80 daily take-out orders.
“We dream and we learn to chase that dream,” said Sorongon, who is now planning to open a restaurant branch in the Philippines.
“In the end,” she added, “we go back home and extend what we’ve learned working abroad.”
Dubai, UAE: Marina Social, acclaimed British restaurant concept by Michelin Starred Chef Jason Atherton, is widely renowned for serving some of the finest cuisine in the heart of Dubai Marina.
The award-winning dining destination has introduced “Seafood Social” – a gastronomic journey through deep water delicacies against stunning panoramic views of Dubai Marina.
On March 23, and for one night only, food connoisseurs are offered an exciting fusion of flavours and aromas inspired by oceanic delights. Guests begin their epicurean expedition with a Lobster ‘Tea’ with 24 months aged Parmesan, followed by Yellow Fin Tuna with Cucumber, Apple, Avocado, the King Crab & Scallops. Next is the mighty Atlantic Cod, served with Cauliflower, Grapes, Hazelnuts and Sea Herbs.
Guests are in for a treat with the sweet lather of a 99 Flake and Donuts with Jam & Custard – a happy reminder of sandy summers!
The Seafood Social menu will be available exclusively on Tuesday, March 23, from 6:00 pm onward. Guests can hashtag content with #SeafoodSocial at @marinasocialduai across social media channels.
Dubai, UAE: Kitch, the region’s first hybrid, delivery-focused, cloud kitchen and premium store-front operator, has announced its partnership with Barbar to expand the operations of the iconic Lebanese restaurant to key cities throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Following the franchise agreement with Kitch, the first Barbar restaurant in the GCC will open in Dubai to be followed by further expansion in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The new 600 square metre Barbar restaurant, located in Hessa Street, will offer both dine-in and delivery services.
Eight restaurants and cloud kitchens will be opened in the UAE, and 20 of them will be opened in Saudi Arabia, four of which will start operating in Riyadh in the second quarter of this year. Kitch will also open two Barbar restaurants in Qatar by beginning of 2022.
Mohammad Ghaziri launched Barbar in 1979 as a small ‘Manouche’ bakery in front of the famous Piccadilly theatre in the heart of Beirut. Within the first few years of opening, the restaurant gained fame for its delicious manouchés and was visited by singers, artists, and celebrities who performed at the theatre.
Snack et pizzeria Barbar, Rue Spears, Moussaitbé, Beyrouth, Liban
As a family business, Barbar was built from the ground up over the years, introducing new products such as shawarma, falafel, fatayer, grills, burgers, ice creams and fruit cocktails to its extensive menu. Barbar has never closed its establishments and continues to remain open 24/7, even during the pandemic and periods of strife. Today, more than a comfort food outlet, Barbar is one of the most-acclaimed restaurants in Lebanon and regarded as a tourist attraction.
Walid Hajj, Co-founder and CEO of Kitch, said: “We are honored to represent Barbar and look forward to bringing the 40-year-old signature recipes and authentic flavours of Lebanon to key cities in the GCC through our hybrid model. As part of our franchise agreement, we will be serving the world-class offerings and the delectable menu of Barbar through our premium store-front facilities and cloud-kitchens in the region.”
Mohammad Al Ghaziri, founder of Barbar, stated that Barbar plans to expand its operations globally based on its fame in Lebanon. He said: “We are thrilled to partner with Kitch as we focus on expanding our business to international markets. With this strategic partnership, we will be able to accelerate our expansion plans and bolster our presence in key markets in a relatively short span of time.”
Dubai, UAE: An Emirati student at Aldar Academies’ Al Ain Academy has launched her own online platform “Rainbow Chimney,” offering unique boxes containing books and educational toys for children between the ages of 3 and 9.
With the support of her parents, the young entrepreneur, AlDhabi Al Muhairi, developed an idea from a simple box of educational toys for her friends at school, to an online website offering books and customized boxes.
Developing her love for reading at the tender age of 3, AlDhabi spends her time reading books on astronauts and science.
Having a passion for reading, coupled with the support of her family and school, AlDhabi began putting together boxes of tools and books which she believed would make learning fun for children.
The student’s “Space Box,” the first in a series of educational boxes, was a great hit among family and friends, and inspired other themed boxed like the “traditional Emirati box” and “little doctor box.”
Now aged six and a half, the young girl has grown her project to encompass more than just themed boxes. As her project gained traction, customers began to order customized boxes with other books and toys, and the project developed into an online platform offering more than just the ready-made boxes.
Mouza Al Darmaki, AlDhabi’s mother, said: “I want to remind parents of the importance of believing in your children’s abilities. I am proud of AlDhabi’s determination and creativity. Through supporting her and providing her with the outlets to express her creativity, I watched her project grow from a simple box to a fully-fledged platform that features different books and boxes that children can make use of. I am looking forward to sharing AlDhabi’s ideas with the world and to inspire other children to share their talent with the world.”
When asked about her aspirations for the future, AlDhabi stated that her wish was for children around the world to have access to Rainbow Chimney and see how fun learning can be.
For AlDhabi, the inspiration behind creating this project was her teachers’ readiness to incorporate fun teaching styles to deliver important lessons at her school, Al Ain Academy.
To support this young entrepreneur by buying ‘Rainbow Chimney’ educational boxes, or to purchase children’s books in English or Arabic, please visit: www.rainbowchimney.ae.
Dubai, UAE: Award-winning Radnor Preserves jams, marmalades and chutneys have arrived in 30 Spinneys stores throughout Abu Dhabi, Dubai and further afield.
Radnor Preserves, from the heart of Wales, has been judged as one of the best artisan marmalade makers in the world, winning most notably Double Gold at the World Marmalade Awards.
Now four of their delicious tasting preserves and four of their marmalades, including their Great British Food Award 2020 winner – Hand-cut Lime & Laver Marmalade, can be found throughout the UAE.
It joins their Hand-cut Orange & Date Marmalade, a new flavour developed especially for the UAE; Great Taste Award winners Strawberry & Rose El Hanout Preserve, Raspberry & Crushed Cardamom Preserve, Hand-cut Radnor Three Fruit Marmalade and Hand-cut Radnor Classic Seville Orange Marmalade, plus two other favourites Blackberry & Cracked Black Pepper Preserve and Rhubarb & Caramelized Fig Preserve.
Founded in 2010 and having won over sixty food awards, record-breaking preserve maker Joanna Morgan built her business relationship with Spinneys through the food and hospitality shows Gulfood, in Dubai, and BlasCymru/TasteWales in Wales.
Celebrating this momentous occasion Joanna said, “After meeting the Spinneys’ buyers a few years ago at Gulfood in Dubai we are now thrilled to be stocking our marmalades and jams for you to taste and enjoy in the UAE. We only use the best natural ingredients and unique flavour combinations to produce the best quality products.
“Our Great British Food Award 2020 winner – Hand-cut Lime & Laver Marmalade – it’s full of zest and packed with limes, the saline note from the laver seaweed from Wales makes this the perfect pick-me-up marmalade. You can put it on your toast or it’s delicious with curry.”
Siyak Siyali, Category Manager for Spinneys added, “We are so delighted to offer Radnor Preserves exclusively to our customers. I am sure they will love these handmade preserves with natural ingredients and exceptional taste and quality. The range fits well on our mission to offer world class food.”
According to the Welsh Government’s Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, “Wales produces some of the highest quality products in the world and Radnor Preserves is no exception. They use only the finest Welsh produce to produce their jams, marmalades and preserves and this is shown by the multitude of awards they have received over the years. We hope you enjoy their products as much as we do.”
Citron, the Dubai-based family business that supplies innovative mealtime products to families, has entered into an exciting agreement with master distribution company MAPYR to drive growth, further innovation and continued success.
MAPYR, also a family-owned business of over 10 years, distributes more than 20 premium family-focused brands, predominantly from key European markets, across the Middle East region. This agreement with Citron marks the first time that MAPYR has taken a homegrown brand on board as part of their impressive portfolio.
Citron was founded in 2017 by Sara Chemmaa after she identified a clear need in the market for stylish and leak-proof lunchboxes. Since launch, the brand has grown to include over 90 products including a sustainable range, a bamboo range and a range specifically designed for teenagers.
Citron’s incredible local success and expertise in the UAE region coupled with MAPYR’s category knowledge and impressive distribution footprint across the region, combines to create a powerhouse partnership and a shared dynamism, professionalism and desire to bring the best products to family consumers across the region.
Sara Chemmaa, CEO and Citron Founder said she is “truly passionate about creating new products that are solving a real issue for kids and mommies and by partnering with MAPYR we are thrilled to know that we have a distributor who shares our passion and ethos.”
Vanessa Kaye, VP Business Development at MAPYR for her part, said: “We are delighted to partner with Citron going forward and expand the brand that Sara has created. Citron shares the same values and vision of MAPYR, which is to make family life easier, and we will share this ethos across further territories and expand the brand from local to global.”
