I’m travelling home to New Zealand, and the direct flight from Dubai will take me just over 18 hours in a compressed, air-conditioner thawed plane. This really sets the scene for dry, dehydrated skin. To avoid the all too common ‘jet-lagged’ look, keeping the skin well moisturized, and staying hydrated is key.

I decided to whip up my very own, all-natural, multi-purpose beauty balm for the journey. Why tow along a whole heap of products when you can make do with just one multitasking jar of goodness that you can proudly DIY yourself?

Best of all, this Beauty Balm takes under 10 minutes to create, and you only need 2 easy-to-find ingredients. Read on for the recipe! 

Tezzy’s DIY Multi-Purpose Beauty Balm Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 heaped tablespoons Shea Butter
• 2 heaped tablespoons Cocoa Butter

Method:

• Put the Shea Butter in a heat-proof microwavable bowl (I use the 100% organic Shea Butter from Shea Butter DXB). 
• Add the Cocoa Butter (I bought the ‘Now Solutions’ brand on Souq.com). 
• Cocoa Butter has a harder, grainier texture compared to the creaminess of Shea Butter. You really have to scrape through to get as much Cocoa Butter into that bowl! 
• Here’s both butters sitting in the bowl: 
• I microwaved the mixture on ‘High’ for 30 seconds at a time. Each time, I removed the bowl and gave the mixture a good whipping.
• This is how it looked in the first round of whipping: 
• I did this microwave-whipping alternation 4 times till the butters started melting into one another as below: 
• It gets much easier mixing the two together in this semi-melted state! The whipping gives it a lovely, creamy texture and you can really smell the decadence of cocoa! 
• I recycled a Neal’s Yard Remedies jar, and poured the mixture in (these deep blue jars are way too pretty to throw away!). 
• The mixture hardens into a balm-like consistency within 20 minutes or so, and is ready to use!

*You can choose to do this on a double-burner over the stove, but the microwaving method was made for lazy, quick-fix seeking chics like me!

This Balm can be used for:

• Travel! One product does it all.
• Works great as a deeply moisturizing face and body moisturizer.hair Perfect for using as a cuticle cream.
• Use it as a lip balm. It’s pretty wonderful on chapped lips.
• This goes for any form of chapped skin, be it heels, elbows or even the knees.
• Can be used as a leave-in hair conditioner for dry, frizzy ends.
• Works beautifully as an overall makeup remover.
• For seriously soft, smooth feet, apply a generous amount of this balm on clean feet before bed and wear cotton socks. You will wake up with ultra pretty tootsies!
• Safe for using on young children.

Benefits of Tezzy’s DIY Multi-Purpose Beauty Balm:

• Deeply hydrating!
• Has all the beauty benefits of Shea Butter (read all about it here) and smells like chocolate :-)
• Cocoa Butter has long been praised for it skin moisturizing, antioxidant properties, and combining this with the benefits of Shea Butter makes this balm a skin-loving superstar!
• You’ve made it yourself, from scratch. You know the ingredients are of the highest quality and contains nothing fake or hard to pronounce.
• It’s super easy (and fast!) to make.
• Given its all-natural, skin-loving properties, whipping up a batch of this balm is kind on the wallet too!

Last Friday we bid a teary farewell to my beloved father. No one ever told me how painful it would be to lose a parent. I feel like my heart has been ripped out raw from my rib-cage.

When he was diagnosed with lymphoma nearly two years ago, I had no idea what that meant. A Google search linked it to the dreaded ‘C’ word. Lymphoma is a form of cancer that progressively takes over the lymph system, and brings immunity to a faltering halt.

A father is every girl’s very first hero, and mine was a true warrior. He battled with the cancer with unfailing optimism, and even in the dreariest of days, his faith in the Almighty remained rock-solid.

Papa lost his signature moustache to chemotherapy, but his strong resolve kept him going. Some days he was his former self, the boisterous laughter was back. On other days, he was sinking. Sinking and shriveling into a shell of premature aging that was so unexpected for one so fit, firm and enviously healthy.

Living at the other end of the globe, it was a bigger shock for me to see this crippling degradation, one spaced-out visit at a time. At times like this, my deepest regret has been choosing to live so far away.

It was almost like he has been hanging on, waiting for me to see him. I arrived five days prior, and on that day, he was perked up with pillows on his hospital bed, counting down to my arrival.

We hugged, we cried, we laughed and we prayed and prayed. Even when the doctors predicted the end was near, we refused to believe it.

Spooning diluted soup between his stubborn lips, I felt the role reversal of parent and child. And then he would throw out a spark of ‘Papaness‘. He tells me he has to get better, as he needs to make the samosas for the annual Esplanade Day this month. When I tell him I will handle it, he says “People will complain your samosas are not as good as mine!”. His samosas were a work of art, surely mine will be mere potato pastries in comparison.

My father was an avid gardener, and had a special fondness for roses. Our front garden is blooming with his memories.

We have been inundated with calls of condolences from near and far, and from many people my family and I never knew. My father was a very loved man. I hope he realizes just how many people he managed to touch with his kindness, humility and profound love for life.

A neighbor remembers his inspirational tips on keeping healthy, a group of little girls treasure the beaded bangles he lovingly wove for them. An old friend rereads a book he diligently recommended, and this past week I have been flipping though old albums recalling my former healthy, happy, ever-smiling Papa.

Papa lives on in our loving memories. He has shaped the person I am today. When I glance into the mirror, I see bits and pieces of his genes in my features. I remember his cold, life-drawn face. After months of agonizing pain and furrowed brows, he looked so much at peace in the end.

A father’s love is irreplaceable. I feel blessed to have come at the nick of time, to get showered in his unconditional love this one last time. A mere ‘thank-you’ can never cover everything you have done for us Papa, you will be eternally missed. Rest now, rest in peace, ameen.

The taboo linked to tattooing is progressively fading (pun intended!). A great deal of discrimination has been linked to the inked. Tattoo enthusiasts have often been stereotyped as society outcasts, and even today, we are prone to hiding our tats in formal settings, especially the workplace.

Your body is your canvas, if you want to decorate it with tattoos, its totally your business! I’ve recently had my second one done, and thought I’d share my experience with you.

Tezzy’s Tattoo Story

Given all the societal bias we’ve been fed on getting inked, my first tattoo was more discreet by location. Based on traditional Maori art, this is a ‘good luck’ tattoo that presides around the crescent of my ankle-bone. It stands for progress and going forward, very apt for the foot I thought. And being Maori by design, it is a piece of Kiwiana I take with me wherever I go.

I love my ankle tattoo. So much so, that I was beginning to think it was done on too discreet a location, and I’ve been itching on getting a second tat that would be more proudly prominent.

Quite unlike my first time where I did a great deal of research on tattoo designs, my second tattoo was initiated by an impromptu visit to Powerhouse Tattoos, Palmerston North (New Zealand) this week. This is where I had my first one done, and this time round I met the very talented James Bishop.

A Few Points to Consider When Choosing a Tattoo Design

• A tattoo will mark you for life. Make sure you really, really like what you’re about to get done.
• Google up designs. Pinterest is a great tool for storing away potential tattoos to consider.
• Ask yourself why you want this design: Does it signify something important to you? What if this importance changes over time? Will you be happy having this tattoo on you 20 years down the line?
• Do you want to add colour to your tattoo? Consider your skin shade (will it show?). Consider your wardrobe (will it blend it with your look? How about your wardrobe a few years down the line?).
• Find a reputable tattoo artist. They are professionals, they can help you make decision.
• Where will this tattoo be placed? Think about your lifestyle. Do you want it in a discreet location, or do you want to wear it loud and proud? Can it be easily hidden if need be?

Having lost my beloved father very recently, I wanted a tattoo that would be a tribute to him of sorts. This time round, I settled for a long-stemmed rose. My father was a huge fan of roses, and having one on my arm is symbolic of holding a rose for him forever.

I looked up many designs on Pinterest, and even sketched a few (check out my Pinterest board dedicated to tattoos by clicking here). I sent these to James, and he recreated a few more options for me.

I considered getting the tattoo in colour, but James advised against it. On darker skin, the hues may not come up as expected, and coloured tattoos also have a tendency to fade faster. A monotone tattoo will not get dated, and would look stylishly appropriate for years to come.

First off, James did a carbon transfer of the rose design on my arm (pretty much like the temporary tattoos we got as kids). I spent quite a few minutes checking it out in the mirror. Once satisfied with the size and positioning of the tattoo, I lay face down on a swiveling tattoo bench, the tattoo arm precariously resting on a stool, and James got to work.

The area to be tattooed first gets disinfected with special wipes. The tattoo pen looks and sounds like a mini drill. The tip gets dipped in ink, and the sharp pinch of metal penetrates the skin with flowing colour.

Does getting tattooed hurt? Hell yeah! When I got the one on my ankle, I could best describe it as feeling like being constantly scratched by an angry cat. On my arm, it felt more like kitten scratches given this area is not as boney as the ankle.

My rose tattoo took just under half an hour to complete. After completion, the tattoo gets a quick dab of antiseptic, and is wrapped up in cling film.

I was advised to remove the film an hour or so later, and wash the tattoo with lukewarm soapy water. I was given a tattoo balm to apply sparingly to the area to keep it hydrated.

In that one hour with the cling film on, my tattoo was piercingly sore. It felt like I’d scraped my arm on coarse gravel. Washing it somewhat subsided the burning, and thankfully it is starting to heal as predicted.

Getting a Tattoo: The Healing Process

A fresh tattoo is basically a raw wound. The first three days are therefore crucial in keeping it germ and infection free.

Never touch a new tattoo with unwashed hands. Keep the area clean, dry and lightly moisturized with a high-quality tattoo balm.

It is essential not to over-moisturize the tattoo, or soak it in water for a prolonged period as the ink is just settling in. The last thing you want to do is get stuck with a permanently smudged look!

Around Day 4, the tattoo will start to scab. As tempting as it may be, do not pick on your tattoo! Doing so not only puts you at risk of infection, but can disfigure your final work of art.uA tattoo can take up to 2 months to completely heal. Continue using tattoo balms to keep it hydrated.

Keep it out of direct sunlight, and leave it uncovered as much as possible. If you have to wear clothing over your new tattoo, make sure it is of loose, breathable material.

Post Tattoo Care

Even after a tattoo is completely healed, caring for your body art will prolong its life, and help it retain its original colour.

• Wear sunscreen daily.
• Cover from direct sunlight.
• Keep it moisturized.

Located on the 47th floor of Emirates Grand Hotel with panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, Tal Al Amar is a hidden gem for authentic Lebanese cuisine at very reasonable rates.

We had the pleasure of being invited for a tasting in late January, and were very impressed with the variety of dishes on offer.

We started off our meal with a soulfully thick, moreish lentil soup. It was accompanied with crisp, deep-fried pita bread. A squeeze of lemon added a light, zesty refresher to every spoonful. This was a great start to a winter’s meal.

As were sipping into the last morsels of soup, the table was quickly cleared and filled up with a huge spread of appetizers.

We had freshly made hummus (Arabic chickpea dip) and Moutabel (Arabic smoked eggplant dip) with hot, puffed up khubz (pita bread) that was served right out of the oven.

And then there was the salads, absolutely fresh and full of authentic Mediterranean flavors. I am divided over my favorite Arabic salad. I love the combination of fresh parsley and bulghar in Tabouleh, and the crisp bread sprinkled with summak (a tart Arabic spice mix) makes me crave for Fatoush. At Tal Al Amar, we had both on the table. So refreshingly delicious, and healthy to boot!

We were also served a platter of freshly cut salad, and this went deliciously well with the hummus and moutabel.

Stuffed Vine Leaves are one of my favorite Mediterranean appetizers. I love the combination of the tart outer layer combined with the savory rice filling within.

At Tal Al Amar, we were also served a platter of Green Beans. The string beans have been tossed in olive oil, and is served in a slow-cooked tomato broth. This is a dish I have not tried in the past, and really enjoyed it with the freshly baked khubz.

Below is a platter of mixed pastries. These have all been made from scratch in the kitchen of Tal Al Amar. Some have a meaty filling, others have cheese.

To accompany our meal, we sipped on fresh juices, made to order in-house. No bottled concoctions here!

For our main-course, the table was heaving with a whole selection of Lebanese delicacies.

The food at Tal Al Amar is fresh and flavorful, and given the pocket-friendly pricing, you really do get tempted to try a wide variety. After this gastronomic main-course, we were really very full. And then came our round of desserts!

Pity we couldn’t do justice to all this yumminess on our table. The portions at Tal Al Amar are generously huge. We had to wash down all that goodness with hot cups of tea.

I had the pleasure of meeting the man behind all the magic, Chef Mohammed Ahmed himself. Hailing from Egypt, Chef Mohammed has been cooking up authentic Lebanese delicacies in well-renouned kitchens around the UAE for nearly two decades now. Interestingly, he is yet to visit Lebanon!

Tal Al Amar is located on the 47th floor of Emirates Grand Hotel (Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai). With panoramic views of the Dubai skyline, and a feast of authentic Lebanese dishes at very reasonable rates, Tal Al Amar is a must-try for Arabic food lovers. For more information and table bookings, give them a call on 04 323 0000.

With a population just over 80K and covering an area of 336 square kilometers, my gorgeous little hometown of Palmerston North, New Zealand can be considered pretty tiny by global comparisons.

However, this little city has earned itself a number of titles. It is known as the ‘Knowledge City’ of New Zealand, given the number of highly reputable educational institutions it houses for its size (the biggest, and oldest campus being Massey University from where I proudly earned my three tertiary degrees in Marketing).

Palmerston North is also known as the ‘City of Roses’ owing to its very well-loved Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden.

The Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden takes up a complete section of Palmerston North’s Victoria Esplanade. Established in 1968, this rose garden boasts of showcasing over 5,000 varieties of roses.

It is named after Dugald MacKenzie, who was the Superintendent of Parks and Reserves from 1946 to 1966.

In 2003, the Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden received the Garden of Excellence award from the World Federation of Rose Societies.

The Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden houses the New Zealand Rose Society headquarters. My father was a very active member of this club, and owes many of his rose-gardening techniques to the wonderful friendships he formed as a member of this group.

The Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden has been the venue for many weddings and photo-shoots.

The Dugald Mackenzie Rose Garden is open to the public, and entry is free of charge. The garden is in full bloom this month. As summer falls from December to March in New Zealand, this is the best time to see the bloom.

My father was a very active member of the community at Palmerston North (New Zealand). He was a member of the Rose Society, had acted as president of the cultural society three times over, and was always involved in fund-raising events for the local Islamic Center. In retrospect, his social life has definitely been more varied and meaningful than mine.

On 21st February, Palmerston North held its annual Esplanade Day at the very popular grounds of the Esplanade. Here, small businesses and communities take up stalls selling all kinds of nifty, often handmade items, at exceptionally good prices. A makeshift stage is set up with live music and local entertainment, and members of the Islamic Center also put up a stall here to raise funds for the upkeep of the center’s needs. 

My father used to single-handedly make a large batch of 50 potato-filled samosas, each crafted in exceptionally precise pointy-pyramid shapes. In his last days, he reminded me of Esplanade Day coming up, and I promised to do it on his behalf this time round. He teased me, saying people will complain mine were not as good as his. I never got his exact recipe, but hey! I didn’t get any complaints either :-) The samosas sold pretty well that day. Here is my recipe:

Tezzy’s Esplanade Day Samosa Special (Makes approximately 20)

For the Dough:

• 3 cups flour
• Salt
• Kalonji (black onion seeds)
• Oil (canola or sunflower)

To Make the Dough:

1. Sieve together the flour and salt.
2. Add a pinch of kalonji, and mix through.
3. Add enough oil to the flour mixture to moisten. The consistency should look like wet sand.
4. Now add enough warm water to knead into a smooth dough. Add extra flour if needed to make it pliable.
5. Cover, and set aside.

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• Half an onion, finely chopped
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A few sprigs of fresh coriander, finely chopped

To Make the Filling:

1. Heat the oil, and add the mustard seeds.
2. When the seeds start to splutter, add the chopped onions and saute till translucent.
3. Add the green chilies followed by the potatoes, and stir-fry.
4. Add all the powdered spices and mix well.
5. Cover and put on medium-low heat till the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Toss in freshly chopped coriander.

To Make the Samosas:

1. Divide the dough into 10 balls.
2. Roll out each ball into an even round shape, and cut in half.
3. Roll the half-circle (curved side out) to form a cone.
4. Stuff the cone with the potato mixture.
5. Securely pinch the edges of the pastry together to ensure the stuffing cannot leak out.
6. Heat oil in a deep-fryer. When the oil starts to get hot, reduce heat to low.
7. Deep-fry the samosas till the crust turns a beautifully pale golden-brown.
8. Drain on paper napkins.
9. Serve hot with your favorite sauce (my personal favorite is tamarind sauce!).

One idle, sunny afternoon, my siblings and I headed to The Square, the heart of the city of Palmerston North, New Zealand. After a few mundane grocery chores, my sister treated us to a taco lunch.

She has been raving about Dos Locos Taco since I landed in New Zealand. This Mexican food truck has been setting trails ablaze in the foodie scene of Palmerston North. Owned and operated by a very lovely couple of Mexican and South American descent, the business first started off in New York, America’s street-food central.

The stint in America gives Dos Locos Taco an immediate advantage over local competitors. They sure know how to operate the food-truck business and keep people coming back for more. Come to think of it, Palmerston North has actually been starved of authentic Mexican fare till they parked here.

I had a beef and a chicken taco. I love how everything that went into making this taco is exceptionally fresh and made onsite. The guacamole is decadently creamy, the salsa flawless and the pulled beef… that beef taco has to be the best taco I’ve ever devoured in my life! The chicken was good too, but that beef… so moreish, so moist, so full of meaty goodness.

The name Dos Locos Taco reminds me of Los Pollos Hermanos from Breaking Bad (that Mexican accent is so endearing!). If Los Pollos Hermanos was a cover-up for the drug trade, the drug used at Dos Locos Tacos is transparently clear… their infamous Scorpion Sauce! Super spicy with a trail of tanginess, a few fiery squirts is all it takes to really rev up the goodness of these tacos!

I also love the logo design of Dos Locos Taco. Inspired by the Mexican festival of ‘The Day of the Dead’, the artwork is rather Frida Kalho don’t you think?! Soon the truck will be selling Dos Locos Tacos merchandise sporting this stunning masterpiece (and they will have Mexican sombrero hats on sale too!).

We were so engrossed in nibbling away at our tacos, sitting on the fresh, wet grass under the shade of an ancient bark, that we failed to notice the trail of neighboring ducks who had come to inspect on our lunch.

It started with a handful, and when my brother generously tossed out some taco shell at a couple of beaked friends, a whole hound of their kind came clucking at us, quacking, pecking and begging for more!

Wanting to end our pseudo picnic on a sweet note, I got a plate of Dos Locos Taco’s Churros. Like the tacos, these were freshly made on-site. Still hot, deep-fried and crisp, these churros have been stuffed with a cinnamon cream, drizzled with lots of hot chocolate sauce, and snowed down with cinnamon sugar. We had a tough time keeping the ducks off this platter, and had to forgo a whole churro to them!

This was my first experience of Dos Locos Taco. During my month-long visit home, I have passed through town numerous times but somehow I have always manged to miss the truck. Their location and timings change on a daily basis, and the only way to track them down is to look up on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DosLocosTacoNZ

A day before my departure, I stuffed my face with their very filling Beef Nachos. So glad I could catch this elusive truck one last time before I left. They really are addictively good!

The beautifully breezy ‘winter’ days in Dubai are slowly but surely sweltering out. Although we do not have an official ‘spring’ season this part of the world (think summer, hotter summer and a mild, breezy winter!), the fashion police make it a point we are dressed up all pretty for this elusive season.

This fashionably Spring season, Pinko is reintroducing the floral femininity of the sixties and seventies. Their playful dresses showcase botanical motifs in swirling fabrics and ladylike silhouettes. These make me want to delve into elaborate tea parties and take out all that fine china from the cupboard!

I have my eyes on this particularly stunning Antenna Abito Dress by Pinko. Retailing for AED 2099 (ouch!). It is a lovely shade of peachy pink, and I love the stunning cutout detailing on the bodice.

I would pair this dress with the contrasting blue of Steve Madden’s Sassey Suedee Lace-Up Stiletto Heels. Retailing for AED 369, this gorgeous pair is also available in red, purple and black. In blue, I can get humming to the likes of Elvis, “Don’t you step on my blue suede shoes” :-)

Given the dress has so much detail, and the heels are a colorful statement piece on their own, I’d keep my jewelry to a minimum. Can someone please gift me the Rainbow Meadow Bangle by Trollbeads? Pretty please? :-) Trollbeads is the original beads-on-bracelet brand, originating from Copenhagen (Denmark) in 1976. This particular bangle is from their 2016 Spring Collection.

Hope you liked my play on retro-ladylike for Spring 2016 :-)

The opulence of St. Regis Dubai manages to take my breath away every time. The cobbled driveway lined with vintage street lamps transports me to the romantic era of horse-drawn carriages and corsets. The magnificence of the palatial-style facade is further enhanced when stepping into the marbled floors of the lobby. The spiraling stairway, gilded with retro glam, frames a larger than life chandelier, an epitome of luxury that would be so apt for the scenes of The Great Gatsby.

This time round, I was lunching at Brasserie Quartier, St. Regis’ decadently French all-day cafe, diner and bar.

With floor to ceiling French paneled windows letting in streams of natural lighting, the interiors of Brasserie Quartier is serenely plush, posh and très chic. The colour scheme plays with muted shades of brown, beige and green, and Parisian-style collector items are displayed across the spacious expanse.

Adding to the Parisian touch is the fact that most of the staff on duty seem to be blessed with that gorgeous French accent! The service at Brasserie Quartier is topnotch, and given the glamorous surroundings, we really felt like pampered VIPs.

With all this opulence, you’d expect lunching at Brasserie Quartier would cost an arm and a leg. However, they have a very special offer for Business Lunches. A two-course business lunch will only set you back AED 95 per person, and a three-course including dessert is AED 115.

Brasserie Quartier’s Business Lunch is available from Sunday to Thursday, from 12 noon to 4 pm. We booked a table for two around 1 pm yesterday, and went for the three-course option.

To begin our meal, we were given a basket of complimentary bread, fresh out of the oven. My favorite of the lot was the one encrusted with fennel and sesame seeds, and I managed to make quite a mess with all the crumbs across the table!

For drinks, Hubby had Brasserie Quartier’s freshly made Ginger Ale, and I had the Rose Lychee Fizz. The pale, subdued yellow of the ginger ale is rather deceptive of the boldness of the drink. It has a very strong hit of fresh ginger, and is a stark contrast to the playfully subtle, feminine flavor combination of the rose and lychee. Both drinks are so contrastingly different, yet we had a tough time narrowing down to a favorite. I’d gladly have both!

For starters, I went for the Beetroot Soup. How gorgeous is the deep, purple hue of this soup! The consistency is thick, moreish and satisfyingly warm and wholesome. A dollop of goat cheese fondue adds decadence to each spoonful, and I really enjoyed this soup with generous dunks of the complimentary bread.

Hubby tried out Brasserie Quartier’s Duck Salad. Shredded duck meat is served on a bed of rocket leaves, and drizzled with a beautifully flavorful orange, pomegranate and and fig dressing. The highlight on this salad platter has to be that perfectly boiled egg. Poached to look like it will go all runny with the touch of a spoon, the yolk has taken on a cheerful shade of sunshine yellow and is incredibly soft and creamy. The yolk acts as the perfect accompaniment to the roasted duck.

For my mains, I had the Fish Pie Gratine. This is a beautifully wholesome, rustic dish consisting of diced salmon, finely shredded potato and a whole heap of onion. Baked together as a pie, the grilled cheesy crust encases a deliciously warm, moreish interior that have all the flavors of nostalgic home-cooking. Perfect comfort food!

Hubby had the Corn Fed Chicken. How stunning is the presentation!

The chicken meat has been cooked to perfection. With the simplicity of this dish, you really have nowhere to hide if you’ve overcooked the chicken. The meat was cooked through and tender. It sits on a ‘Pomme Dauphine’, a traditional French potato patty consisting of mashed potato and choux  pastry. Can’t go wrong with the combination of chicken with potato! And this is a fancy French version, finished off with a puddle of beautifully glossy celeriac puree.

Finally, we got to my favorite course, desserts! In true Parisian flair, the staff wheel in a dessert trolley loaded with tantalizing treats screaming ‘eat me!’.

When I saw the cheerful bright yellow of Brasserie Quartier’s Pina Colada, I had to have it!

Taking inspiration from the very famous cocktail that goes by the same name, this Pina Colada dessert is a very cleverly made pastry consisting of a tangy pineapple mousse, layers of stewed pineapple and pineapple puree, and a thick crust of coconut. The marriage of pineapple and coconut, so akin to the drink, come together beautifully as a dessert.

Hubby had the Chocolate Banana Cake. I am not a huge fan of the chocolate-banana combination, but this cake really changed my perspective. The banana has been baked through and through, and this soft fruit gives the very rich chocolate cake added moisture and sweetness. For a man who claims to hate desserts, the cake vanished from his plate in no time (he slyly took the chance while I was busy with my Pina Colada!).

The Business Lunch at Brasserie Quartier is great value for money, and gives diners the perfect intro to the restaurant’s stance at French fine-dining. Best of all, the menu is changed on a weekly basis, so there is always something new to try out.

The Business Lunch is valid only on weekdays, and runs from 12 noon to 4 pm. If you are planning a visit, I highly recommend booking in advance. For reservations, call 04 4355577. Bon appetit!

Walking into Tribeca is like getting whirled into the maddening genius of the rabbit’s hole from Alice in Wonderland. Located on the first floor of Ocean View Hotel (JBR, Dubai), Tribeca is a “little slice of the big apple”. Conceptualized and created in 2003, Tribeca is the brainchild of a New York-returned chef who found a niche for hearty American grub in Glasgow. Ofcourse, every successfully delicious international chain has to be imported into the Dubai foodie scene, and here we have Tribeca – New York madness created in the suburbia of Glasgow!

The restaurant chain gets its name from the famed TriBeCa district of New York. TriBeCa is an acronym for ‘Triangle Below Canal Block Association’ (read more about it here). Keeping up with the artsy scene that is so ‘New York’, the decor in Tribeca is an amalgamated mix of bright colors, quirky artifacts and chilled out industrial mayhem.

All this quirkiness made me feel right at home. At a place like this, you can idle away the minutes between order-time just looking at all the stunning detailing that has gone into the decor. I was particularly fascinated with the Hendrick’s rose-tattooed bathtub, made to look like it is overflowing with with water, and complete with a floating bottle of Hendrick’s. Pure genius!

Tribeca offers an interesting mix of international cuisine, and many of their dishes use pure organic ingredients. The organic ingredients are highlighted in green on the menu, and all that green font staring back at me made me feel all good about eating well for a change :-)

We started off with a bottle of red wine, organic ofcourse! This is our bottle of Bio Bio Merlot, a refreshingly fruity Italian import. This is a sweet wine with a delightfully playful punch of tangy goodness that I loved.

It only took a few gulps of wine to get me rather giddy, and I was ravenously thankful for the complimentary cheese bread that was served on our table.

Given it was a beautifully breezy night, we asked to change tables and sit on the porch outside. How gorgeous is the graffiti on the wall by our table! It gets along perfectly well with the denim upholstered swiveling chairs we got to sit in. Can I please have furniture like this in my home?!

We were told Tribeca’s Baked Organic Greek Feta with Honey is their bestselling starter, and decided to give it a go. It is served with wedges of very sweet, refreshing watermelon and a pile of rocket leaves. The feta was decadently creamy, salted and rich. A sprinkle of zaater accentuated its Mediterranean origins, and a few bites of fresh watermelon acted as the perfect respite from all that richness. After having this starter, the flavor combination of warm, gooey feta with fresh watermelon is officially on the top of my personal flavor combination charts!

We ordered the Chicken Salad from Tribeca’s salad menu. This is a beautiful toss-up of diced corn-fed chicken breast with organic kale, organic avocado, mango, coconut shreds and pecan nuts. The combination of mango and coconut gives this salad a tropical twist, and this is further enhanced with the addition of a coconut oil and lime dressing.

As we waited for our mains, our server for the night came up excitedly to our table to inform us that TriBeCa has just been informed it has won the title of ‘Best Bar’ in TimeOut Dubai! Surely we must be their lucky mascots :-D If it wasn’t for the kick I was getting from the organic wine, I would have gladly tried out one of TriBeCa’s signature cocktails. Will have to make a mental note to do so on my next visit.

For my mains, I tried out Tribeca’s Truffle Risotto. I could sniff the truffle even before it landed on my table! I am absolutely obsessed with the delectable taste of truffle, and this risotto was brimming with it. The risotto itself was perfectly al dente with a creamy base, and was tossed with a variety of seasonal mushrooms and generous shavings of parmesan. Decadently good Italian flavors with sips of organic Italian wine; absolute bliss!

Hubby is an absolute carnivore, so it was pretty easy guessing what he was going to order for his mains; there was only one red meat dish listed here. This is Tribeca’s Beef Tenderloin Tagliata. The meat was cooked to a perfect medium-rare, and was served with very flavorful roasted cherry tomatoes. A jug of pesto sauce was served on the side, and the flavor combinations of beef, tomatoes, fresh rocket leaves and pesto made for an exceptionally delicious international dish.

The artsy ambience, the dazed bliss of good wine, and a very full stomach of delicious, organic-filled grub kept us sitting out on that patio well after our plates were cleared. For once, we skipped dessert. Will have to get back to Tribeca real soon for more.

Tribeca is located on the 1st floor of Ocean View Hotel (JBR, Dubai). Do have a browse of their website, and for table reservations, call 0503456067.

I am a huge fan of Dr. Hauschka, and it has been a struggle finding their gorgeous, organic beauty products in the UAE. Then I discovered Bashara Care, an online beauty store operating in the UAE, and got super excited!

One of my favorite products from the Dr. Hauschka range is the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream. It was my favorite facial cream during my late teens, and when my little parcel of Dr. Hauschka goodies arrived from Bashara Care (exactly one day after placing my order!), this little tube brought back a whole flood of memories.

They say a forgotten scent can transport you to another time and place. This is what the beautiful scent of rose in this luxurious cream does for me. The scent is all at once intensely rose, yet slowly settles down to a subtle hue of floral brilliance. It smells so ladylike, almost vintage in its charm.

Key Ingredients in the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

• Rose petal extracts and wild rose hips to nurture and balance the skin.
• Shea butter, rose petal wax and avocado oil to protect and retain moisture.
• Marshmallow and St. John’s Wort to soothe redness, hydrate and fortify.

*St. John’s wort (listed by its Latin name of Hypericum perforatum), may cause a phototoxic reaction when applied topically (Source: http://www.naturaldatabase.com).

Product Claim

Rose Day Cream is a classic in the Dr. Hauschka Skin Care range, capturing all the diversity of the rose to nourish and protect normal, dry and sensitive skin. Especially beneficial for skin prone to redness, irritation and couperose. The rich, luxurious formulation harmonises oil and moisture content, gently guiding the skin to a state of comfort, balance and radiance. – Dr. Hauschka website.

A Little History Behind the Dr. Hauschka Brand

Dr. Rudolf Hauschka was of German descent, and had built a reputation for his creation of natural medicines that omitted the use of alcohol as preservatives. He established WALA in 1935, but it was not till 1967 that the brand extended into the world of beauty with the introduction of the Dr. Hauschka range.

The Dr. Haushcka story began when Dr. Hauschka met Vienna-born cosmetologist Elisabeth Sigmond. Elisabeth was ordering WALA medicines to create her own range of skincare. Joining hands with Dr. Hauschka, they developed solutions for stable cream bases without chemical or synthetic emulsifiers, and created fragrance mixes from natural essential oils.

“When we developed these unconventional skin care products we naturally felt like rebels.” – Elisabeth Sigmund

My Experience with the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

The first whiff of that delicate scent of vintage rose from its metallic tube transported me back to my early days in university. The scent is all at once endearing, floral yet light.

The cream itself is very thick and rich, and you only need a tiny dollop for the face and decolletage. It is best to use this cream sparingly, as a little too much can make you look like a greasy mess.

Given it is so rich (and that it is a day cream!), it is a pity it does not have a built-in SPF, as applying yet another layer of sunscreen on this rich cream can be quite heavy on most skin-types.

After the cream absorbs into the skin (give or take 15 minutes), the complexion feels very hydrated and refreshed. The scent is very endearing, and lasts for quite a few hours.

Given the cream is densely rich, makeup application can be tricky business.

This cream is ideal for normal to very dry skin, especially for the skin-drying months of winter. I also find this rich, hydrating cream very comforting for travel (I did the long haul from Dubai to New Zealand and back this month, which meant 18 hours straight in a very dehydrating, compact environment of a plane).

I quite like the rather vintage-style tin tube, so different from today’s plastic norm. It also makes it easier to roll down and squeeze out more product as the tube gets used up.

Much after I have used this cream (even back in the day), I read online that the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream contains St. John’s Wort, and that this can be really bad news for photosensitive skin. Thankfully I have not had any adverse reactions to the product, but if you have particularly sensitive skin, you might want to research on this a little more.

Benefits of the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

• Gorgeous rose scent, that is all-natural and derived from essential oils.
• Loaded with natural, skin-loving ingredients.
• Free of parabans, preservatives and chemical nasties.
• Very rich and moisturizing. Ideal for dry, dehydrated skin-types, especially the winter season.
• Perfect for travel, especially long, dehydrating stints in a plane.
• A little product goes a long way, just a little dollop will do.
• The metallic tube is handy for getting out more product, and looks rather retro!

The ‘Not So Good’ of the Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream

• Contains St. John’s Wort, and this can cause skin rashes for those sensitive to this ingredient.
• Can be too rich for certain complexions, or for the summer months in the UAE. For lighter hydration, you can try the Rose Day Cream Light.
• Given it is a day cream, it would have been ideal to have SPF included.
• The rich texture takes a while to absorb into the skin.
• This cream is not an ideal makeup base.
• At AED 103 for a 30 ml tube, this product does not come for cheap.

Pricing & Availability

The Dr. Hauschka beauty range can be bought online from Bashara Care. They offer free delivery within the UAE, and the parcel got to me the very next day after placing my order! Bashara Care also delivers to  Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain (expect delivery to these locations within 2 to 3 working days). Check out the Bashara Care website for a whole range of sought-after beauty products: www.basharacare.com

The Dr. Haushchka Rose Day Cream retails for AED 103 for a 30 ml tube.

Spring, the youthfully trendy fashion brand, has a special affiliation with this season. They are, after all, named after spring, the season of early blooms, lazy sunshine and laid-back days by the beach.

I’ve been browsing their online store, and it got me lusting for a whole load of things for spring. Here’s a compilation of my Top 10 Must-Haves for Spring, from Spring :-)

1. Bazaar Dress by Ulla Johnson

This 100% washed silk peasant dress is so delightfully boho with its Indian floral print.

It features handmade rosette tassels with gold wire threading, and billowing full sleeves that scream comfort in the warmer weather.

$426 from the Spring website, click here for details.

2. Javi Sandals by Ulla Johnson

I love the look of these tie-up sandals with the Bazaar Dress! The Javi Sandals feature a macrame strap and braided tie-ups, and I love the simple yet sophisticated brass ring detailing at the center. Very spring, don’t you think?!

$475 from the Spring website, click here for details.

3. Moto Bucket Bag by Rebecca Minkoff

How edgy is this gorgeous suede leather carry-all?! I bet I can fit in a whole pile of things in this, and still look perfectly on-trend for spring.

The laced detailing on the front looks very vintage-glam to me, and it would go perfectly well with the Bazaar Dress and Javi Sandals.

$355 from the Spring website. Click here for details.

4. Surf Sand Love Zip Pouch by Sisters of Los Angeles

Surf, sand, love… I need all three for spring!

This little pouch would be perfect for carrying my spring essentials, and look super cute too!

I love the cotton canvas material it is made of, looks so on-trend!

$17 on the Spring website. Click here for details.

5. Illesteva’s Milan 4 Sunnies with Rose Mirrored Lenses

The mirrored sunglasses trend is here to stay, and I have a particular weakness for the rose gold tint. Totally lusting over this stunning Italian pair! It would go beautifully well with everything in my wardrobe :-)

$300 from the Spring website. Click here for details.

6. Peter Nappi Leather Glasses Case

Carrying around sunglasses (or glasses for that matter) never looked so stylish!

Made with the finest kudu leather, these cases look so charmingly vintage. I want it in all three colors please!

$49 from the Spring website. Click here for details.

7. Daniel Wellington ‘Classic St Mawes’ Rose Gold Watch

I love watches with big faces, and loving the look of this very clean, classic and sophisticated Daniel Wellington watch. And look! It has rose gold detailing :-)

$199  from the Spring website. Click here for details.

8. Avantur Geometric Print Over-Sized Scarf

A stylish cotton scarf is a must-have for the month of spring. It is a versatile accessory that can be worn in a multitude of ways, and can also be used as a cover-up at the beach, or when it gets a little chilly under that over-worked air-conditioning.

The black and white geometric print of this scarf makes it all at once trendy and versatile enough to go with a whole palette of wardrobe colours and combinations.

I also love the fact that it is generously over-sized!

$125 from the Spring website. Click here for details.

9. The Ono Cap by Wax & Cruz

A cap is a spring-summer essential, and this Indian-weave raw silk tweed variation by Wax & Cruz makes it a style statement I’d love to don this season!

Was $90, and now discounted to $ 60 on the Spring website. Click here for details.

10. Baileys ‘Block Out The Haters’ Eye Mask by 41 Winks

Too much sunshine for that afternoon siesta? Block out the haters! How cute is this eye mask by 41 winks?! I want!

$38 from the Spring website. Click here for details.

All images in this post have been taken from the Spring website. Do check out www.shopspring.com It sure was a challenge narrowing down to my top 10!

Meet Guillaume Cuiry, Art Expert in 20th Century Design & founder of La Galerie Nationale (Alserkal Avenue, Dubai). His love affair for art furniture was developed at a very early age, and it all started when his parents decided to set up his study room with the very coveted designer pieces of Joe Colombo.

Guillaume’s interest in the world of  vintage pieces was further ignited by his best friend Jacques, a collector of 40’s and 50’s antiques. Seeing a shortage for genuine antiques in Dubai led Guillaume to set up La Galerie Nationale in 2011. The gallery represents a whole list of prominent designers including Jean Royere, Jean Prouve, Pierre Guariche, Chatrlotte Perriand, Mathieu Mategot, Marco Zanuso, Alexandre Noll, Geoffrey Harcourt, Max Ingrand, Serge Mouille and Warren Platner.

I had an intruiging chat with Guillaume a few days ahead of his gallery’s Dubai Art festival. He is a true encyclopedia on furniture art! Read on to learn more about coveted furniture pieces, and how you too can build a sought-after collection of your own. 

1. Furniture is often regarded as an everyday necessity. What differentiates everyday pieces from “furniture art”?

For me, vintage art furniture pieces are unique and special. They have a story to tell, they have a soul, they have a spirit, a technique, and of course an aesthetic, and it is these characteristics that keep my love affair with 20^th century design alive.

After a long time in Europe and many business trips to the Middle East, I could not understand why this region was totally forsaken by the Art Furniture market. I meet so many lonely design lovers with no other choice than to buy mass market furniture to embellish their homes. This is the primary reason why I decided to open my first gallery in Dubai, La Galerie Nationale, which is 100% dedicated to vintage art furniture and antique genuine art design. I did it of course with the great and friendly support of my friend Jacques.

The art industry also needs creative leaders. My work consists of promoting original vintage art to help inspire new comer designers and fight against the copyists.

Decades ago when I started, just a few people liked design and vintage design. Now it’s really fashionable to mix different periods in your home decoration. Galleries like mine are also at the origin of re-edition of iconic furniture by famous world companies. But re-edition is not the cup of tea of our clients. They want THE original piece.

2. Please tell us more about your personal collection of “furniture art”. What is your most treasured piece? Who created it? What makes it so extraordinary?

I have a fascinating collection of original vintage art furniture designed by famous designers such as Marco Zanuso who was one of a group of Italian designers from Milan shaping the international concept of “good design” in the postwar years. There is also Jean-Pierre Laporte who designed the “Esox” chair, the first iconic piece he designed in the early 70’s. As all high level design this armchair combines comfort and aesthetic. One is at the Beaubourg Museum in Paris. JP Laporte was very surprised when he discovered that the other is in Dubai. We also represent Alberto Giacometti who designed the Sculpture which is one of my favorite art pieces as it is the first and last stone furniture sculpture ever made in the world by Giacometti. Giacometti’s work of the 1930s represents probably the most important contribution to Surrealist sculpture. Some were influenced by primitive art, but perhaps most striking were those that resemble games, toys, and architectural models. They almost encourage the viewer to physically interact with them, an idea which was very radical at the time.

3. How was La Galerie Nationale created? Why did you choose Dubai as an art destination?

Coming from a traditional family, my love for designer art furniture started when my parents, lovers of 18^th century decoration, set up my study room with Joe Colombo pieces. Later, my very best friend Jacques, who is into antique furniture, exposed me to 40’s and to 50’s antique pieces. It was indeed my friend Jacques who became a source of inspiration, which led me to dedicate my free time studying the 20^th century design and designers and eventually setting up my own galley in the UAE.

I chose Dubai because of its young, vibrant and energetic vibe. Dubai is a cosmopolitan city of diversity and contrasts which is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. This city is a lively and unique destination, combining variety and excitement with excellent infrastructure and first-class hotels, as well as tourism, dining, shopping and entertainment facilities. I felt that the art scene in Dubai has great potential – you can see the energy in the bustling souks, the pulsating ambition to build bigger and better towering skyscrapers, the old charm of the vast desert. Dubai is an ideal location for me to impart my knowledge and grow my passion for vintage art design.

From what I see, expatriates in Dubai are a fan of vintage and antique design but now a lot of young Emiratis are changing their interior decoration ambiance as well after their trips around the world. With their global exposure, they are keen to invest in genuine pieces created by the 20^th century designers.

4. Please tell us more about the Art Dubai exhibition at La Galerie Nationale this month. What will we get to see?

I am delighted to present the brilliant works of five contemporary artists during my ‘Face to Face’ group art exhibition at the gallery. Art aficionados are welcome to join us for the opening night of the exhibition which will be held on March 14, from 6pm to 9pm during Alserkal Avenue Galleries Night. I have carefully chosen five contemporarry artists who I admire most. These are Lebanese artist and painter Katya Traboulsi, Belgian sculptor Arnaud Rivieren, and French artists Philippe Pasqua, Fred Kleinberg and Pierre Marie Lejeune. The exhibition of these prominent artists at the gallery is open to visitors from March 15, 2016 and lasts up to May 14, 2016. Please come and visit us!

5. Any tips for someone starting off a personal collection of rare art? Where can one begin?

I would like to suggest for a first timer to go on the web and study the work of 20th century designers and leaders such as Jean Royere, one of the most prolific creators, Jouve for the elegance of his ceramics, Jean-Michel Frank and Dupré-Lafon for the quality of details, Serge Mouille for the design (r)evolution he did in the lighting like Raymond Subes, Max Ingrand or Jacques Biny. They can also research closely and consider famous tryptic masters Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perri, and Jean Prouvé as the great promotor of industrial design. From Mathieu Mategot to Raymond Loewy, Roger Tallon or Willy Rizzo, it’s impossible for any design lover to find a style with great character.  From here, you can also visit galleries such as La Galerie Nationale and see and interact with the artworks. We as curators will be most happy to share our knowledge and help you in your journey to discover rare vintage art furniture.

Early Friday morning, I got delivered a bag of yumminess from Brownie Blues. What a ‘sweet’ way to kick-start the weekend!

These brownies come in the cutest of packages, and if it wasn’t for that whiff of cocoa goodness, these would be far too pretty to tear open!

“Brown paper packages tied up in string… these are a few of my favorite things!” #nostalgia These pretty packages had me humming this favorite tune from Sound of Music :-)

I love the quirky messages on each box. My favorite is right on the bag: “A Brownie a day will keep your (frownies) away.”

The brownies are not only packed beautifully, but very protectively too. Each precious brownie is wrapped in ‘Brownie Blues’ paper, and comes with a little leaflet introducing the type of brownie it contains.

The instructions suggest warming each brownie in the microwave for 10 seconds. This really brings the brownie to life, making it all gooey, soft and moreishly good.

I was sent Brownie Blues’ Rocky Road Brownie, Red Velvet Brownie, and the Classic Brownie. It really is tough to narrow down to a favorite out of the three. All three have a near-identical deep, dense and beautifully moist base.

The Rocky Road Brownie is topped with gently torched marshmallows, and has the crunch of walnuts.

The Red Velvet Brownie is iced with cream cheese, and has a beautiful hint of red velvet coloring running through.

Brownie Blue’s Classic Brownie is intensely chocolate, yet sinfully smooth and moist.

These have to be the sweetest Mother’s Day gifts I’ve received so far! Mother’s Day falls on 21st March in the UAE. Why not spoil your mum with a selection of brownies from Brownie Blues? They deliver right up to your doorstep :-) Visit their website for details.

Hola! What are you doing this Friday? Fancy a tapas-style lunch loaded with Spanish flavors? Add to it an endless flow of beverages, including a very spiked up Sangria, in a very friendly, festive ambiance with live music to boot. Here’s introducing Citimax Bur Dubai’s Huddle Bar Friday Tapas Brunch. If that isn’t enough to grab your attention, surely the pricing will have you floored… It costs a mere AED 99 per person for all you can eat and drink (inclusive of alcoholic beverages) between 12 noon to 4 pm :-)

Huddle Bar’s Friday Tapas Brunch was launched this Friday 4th of March. News on this fantastic offer has obviously done the rounds, as the place was absolutely packed!

Essentially a sports bar, Huddle Bar has a cosy, dim-lit ambiance with television screens taking dominance across the expansive walls. Diners are entertained with live music on a makeshift stage right in front of the tapas buffet, and in another little nook, you can find a darts board, with a competitive digitized board right next to it.

When I first heard of ‘tapas’ lunch, I thought this would be a selection of light nibbles over drinks. How wrong was I! This buffet of Spanish-inspired dishes is anything but light.

Sure, it includes a light selection of seasonal olives, an assortment of salads, breads, cheese and cold-cuts, but diners coming in for a proper lunch fill will not be disappointed with the selection of mains.

The starters included a selection of open sandwiches. The roast beef looked tantalizing, but my favorite was the eggplant topper with mustard.

The mains include roast beef, a Spanish-style seafood paella, baked salmon and king prawn to name a few.

How cute is this little shot glass of tomato puree housing a cocktail shrimp?!

I came across an unusual flavor combination at the Huddle Bar buffet. This is a pan-fried banana wrapped in turkey ham. Soft, sweet fruit with the savory of turkey. Strange as it may sound, it was really very good! I even went back for seconds.

Apparently this banana-turkey combo was created on the morning of the Tapas Brunch launch. It was created by accident by one of the sous chefs, and got the approval of Executive Head Chef Sumit right away. Here’s Chef Sumit pointing out the banana-turkey genius to us :-) Sorry I didn’t catch his name!

The tapas team sure have an affiliation for bananas as they even served it up as a dainty little dessert.

Here’s some of the other desserts up for grabs at the buffet:

I really enjoyed their Creme Brulee, and was rather disappointed they ran out of it so fast! My other favorite was this very smooth citrus souffle. The dark chocolate garnish made all the more decadent.

All this food, as much as you can stuff in from 12 noon to 4! But wait… the AED 99 per head also includes an endless supply of soft-drinks and select house beverages!

Going with the Spanish theme, we opted to try their Sangria. Hubby quite liked it, but I found it a little too overpowering with grapefruit bitterness for my liking.

I had their Virgin Mojito instead, a rather sweet, syrupy lemon-based drink with a whole lot of ice.

My favorites from the buffet have to be the open sandwich with eggplant, the banana-turkey, the king prawns and the creme brulee. Quite a few favorites, I know!

Great food, unlimited drinks, and a lively ambiance to boot. All this for AED 99 per head! Surely this will make your Friday afternoons more merry :-)

See you at the Huddle Bar Friday Tapas Brunch next Friday! Call 0557251080 to book your table.

I’ve driven past Pax’s a moth ago, and was really keen on doing a pit-shop seeing their very striking signage. The bold, bright blue of their logo is hard to miss despite the tiny, narrow size of the place.

Located on one of Jumeirah Beach Road’s busiest food stops (just a block down from the very famous Ijaza cafeteria, opposite Mercato Mall), Pax’s opened its doors last November and already has quite a queue lining up for their American-style boxes of Asian flavors.

Come to think of it, I haven’t come across any other Chinese eatery in Dubai that offers food in this all-American style disposable box! Being Dubai, ofcourse the humble takeaway box gets a face-lift. The colorful graphics of Prax looks stunning on these boxes, don’t you think?!

But before we delve into the Prax boxes and their respective contents, let me give you a virtual tour of the premises. The restaurant itself was never really designed for dine-ins. It is very small and narrow, and more than half the interiors is taken up by its very visible, bustling kitchen.

One line of the interiors has bar-stools for seating, and the front of the space has an outdoor patio where we were seated, facing the Jumeirah Beach Road traffic.

For our round of appetizers, we started off with Prax’s dimsums. Below is their Chicken Siu Mai and their Prawn Har Gow. The dimsums come with the obligatory serving of soya sauce on the side, as well as a very delicious Chinese chili jam that is made on the premises. The dimsums were soft, perfectly cooked and well stuffed with filling. Pity each plate only comes with 3 pieces!

We also had a bowl of Prax’s Tom Yum Soup. For a restaurant that claims to be predominantly Chinese, they are spot-on with Thai flavors in this soup. The balance of hot, sour and sweet played perfectly well on my taste-buds, and my little 5 year-old had a whole bowl to herself! Given she is an exceptionally fussy eater, this is a huge compliment to the Chef.

And here’s Prax’s Papaya Salad, yet another nod to beautifully blended flavors of Thailand. I asked for mine to be extra spicy :-)

For mains at Prax’s, you have the option of creating a customized dish in 4 steps: 1) Choose a base (mainly noodle options, or jasmine rice, or vegetables), 2) Choose a protein (tofu, chicken, beef or prawn), 3) Choose a sauce (six variations to choose from), and 4) Pick a Topping (18 options to choose from).

Not feeling very experimental, we decided to go for the tried and tested created by the chef :-) We tried Prax’s Chilli Basil Beef, Green Curry Chicken and the Sweet and Sour Prawn.

Our favorite was the Chilli Basil Beef. The heat of the chilli laced with the characteristic Asian fusion of basil was a real treat to eat. The egg noodles were cooked to perfection, and had a very generous amount of beef, mushrooms and crunchy french beans tossed in.

If you’re craving curries, Prax’s might be a bit of a shocker. They don’t do curries the conventional way. Rather, it is mixed up with the ‘base’. In this case, both our curries were mixed in with the Jasmine rice. I guess it makes their life easier, making it more convenient for a paper box.

The Thai Green Curry at Prax’s is like a rice pilaf loaded with Thai flavor. If I was expecting rice with curry on the side, I might have been disappointed but I had been warned… and I absolutely loved it! The appearance of this dish is deceivingly bland, when it is in fact very flavorful indeed. I especially liked the bits of fried eggplant, delish!

Prax’s Sweet and Sour Prawn is apparently one of their best-sellers, and I can understand why. Once again, the curry has been mixed into the rice. This mix is far sweeter than the Green Curry. I love how the prawns have been battered and added into the mix. Crunchy cashew has been topped as garnish, and as a tangy surprise, it also has bits of chopped pineapple tossed in!

The portion size at Prax’s is generously large, and we couldn’t do justice to the two ‘curries’. I was more than happy to take these gorgeous boxes home with me :-)

For dessert, Prax’s has two variations of Pana Cotta. One is Coconut and Ginger, a dedication to the Asian flavors of the restaurant. The base has a delicate hint of coconut, and is mixed in with crystallized ginger. The flavors are delicate as they are flavorful.

The other Pana Cotta won our vote hands down. Inspired by Middle Eastern flavors, this is Prax’s Date and Caramel. A must-try for caramel crazy dessert fiends like me :-)

Overall, Prax’s is an experience in itself. You will probably be hard pressed finding a table in this tiny joint, but you can always call up for deliveries, or do pick-ups yourself. Look them up on their social media handles, call them on 800 PRAXS (77297) and let me know what you think. Eating out of that box is novelty in itself :-)

Rania Gamal is much more than just a pretty face. This stunning young woman has aced in her career as Dubai’s top model, hosts a number of local television shows, and is obsessed with keeping up with her fitness regime.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Rania, and noting down some pearls of wisdom on fitness, health and overall beauty and well-being. If you are an aspiring model yourself, you might find her advice on the UAE modelling scene very useful! Read on for more.

About a month or so ago, I was craving a very red lipstick. A fiery, bright engine-truck red that would add oomph to anything I wear. I also wanted it in a matte finish, which, I believe is best for keeping bright lipstick colours wearable for any time of day.

I reached out to the counters of two of my favorite lipstick brands; Mac and Makeup Forever. “Give me your reddest lipstick in matte please!” And I ended up with Mac’s Ruby Woo from their Retro Matte collection, and Makeup Forever’s M8 Matte Bright Red from their Rouge Artist Intense collection.

I know this is not exactly a comparison of apples to apples, but these are the two shades that were recommended to me for fitting into my ‘very red and matte’ criteria. 

Packaging

Both lipsticks come in a very formal, professional-looking black case. I like the gunmetal detailing of the Makeup Forever case, and the signature bullet shape of the Mac’s.

Pigmentation

Both lipsticks are beautifully pigmented. The swatches below are just one coat of each! You really do get a good deal of colour with just one swipe.

Red Rating

Mac’s Ruby Woo is definitely a bolder, brighter shade of the two. It really is a ‘retro red’, and is something I would envision very confident lipstick wearers like Betty Boo to be wearing.

Makeup Forever’s M8 Matte Bright Red on the other hand, is a deeper, browner shade and would be a better option for wearers who feel too intimidated by the fiery hues of red. It is still a red, but just not as ‘in your face’ bright.

Mac’s bright orange-toned Ruby Woo or Makeup Forever’s M8’s rich blue-based? Both are red, yet so differently so. I love them both!

Matte Effect

Mac’s Ruby Woo stays true to the matte promise. This lipstick is really, really matte.

Makeup Forever’s M8 Matte Bright Red has a slight sheen to it. It is not altogether glossy, but not entirely matte either.

Lip Hydration

Of the two, Makeup Forever keeps the lips feeling better hydrated.

Mac’s Ruby Woo can feel quite drying on the lips, and I need to use Mac’s Prep+Prime lip primer before I use it.

Staying Power

Both lipsticks survive into the 6 hour mark, and this includes surviving lunch.

Tezzy in Mac Ruby Woo

Tezzy in Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense M8 Matte Bright Red

Which Red?

I love the peppy, bold brightness of the Mac Ruby Woo. I also love the very grown-up ladylike hue of the Makeup Forever M8 Matte Bright Red.

I love how matte the Mac lipstick is, yet the slight sheen of the Makeup Forever variation is kinder on my dry lips.

Mac’s Ruby Woo is playful, and might be a bit too bright for newbies to the fiery shade of red lipsticks. Makeup Forever is a more conservative shade. I wear both throughout the day.

You see me in both lippies above. Which shade do you reckon I rock best?

A bright, red lipstick really is a makeup ammunition every girl should own. Find one that suits you best (or be like me, and have two red lippies you can’t live without :-) ).

Busaba Eathai was conceptualized and created by Alan Yau in 1999 in Soho, London. This contemporary Thai eatery entered the Dubai foodie scene about two years ago, and is the only Thai restaurant on The Beach, JBR.

The name ‘Busaba‘ was inspired by a flower in Thailand (and is also a very popular girls’ name!), while the word ‘Eathai‘ is a fusion of the words eat and Thai. We went to ‘Eathai‘ at Busaba last week post the unprecedented UAE rains, and had the most memorable lunch.

Busaba Eathai faces the beach, and has patio dining available. We chose to shy away from the bright afternoon sunshine, and dined indoors. The interiors are accentuated with deep, dark wood. The paneled ceilings and wooden bench seating looks very Thai, and a hint of the brand’s orange logo is seen in the lantern-like lighting. The simple yet sophisticated interiors are comfortingly relaxed and informal, and the welcoming faces of the staff made us feel right at home.

Being a rather warm and sunny afternoon, we started off our Busaba Eathai experience with their very refreshing, Thai-infused mocktails.

On the left is Busaba Eathai’s Horapho Mojito, a tangy-sweet blend of fresh lime, apple and ginger accentuated with the exotic Thai flavor of basil.

The drink on the right is Busaba Eathai’s Vanduke. I have never had something quite like this. It has a beautifully refreshing citrus base of exotic calamansi and orange, a hint of lychee juice is also thrown in, but the real body of the drink lies in the addition of sweetened coconut cream. The decadently thick, creamy cream comes up in anticipated lumps as I sipped through my straw. I think I’ve just discovered a better version of pina colada!

For our starters round, we had to try Busaba Eathai’s much talked about Thai Calamari. This is a dish of lightly battered and fried calamari laced with the subtle heat of green peppercorn and ginger. This is yet another Thai flavor combination I have not come across before, and absolutely loved it!

The other starter on our table was Busaba Eathai’s Goong Tohd. This is a platter of crisp, deep-fried breaded prawns accompanied with a very delectable chili lime sauce. I absolutely loved this fiery sour sauce, and requested our server to keep it on our table well after the prawns were gone! The sauce is a burst of flavors, ranging from chili hot to lime sour, and balanced with the sweetness of sugar. I was so tempted to pick up this little bowl and have it as a drink!

As both the above starters were rather rich and deep-fried, we were suggested to add a salad to our order. We usually order Som Tam (Thai green papaya salad) whenever we are eating Thai, but this time round, we were recommended Busaba Eathai’s Yam Sam Tom.

This is a very healthy, refreshing toss up of blood orange, pomelo, shredded coconut, roasted peanuts, dried shrimp, shallot, fresh coriander, and a hint of finely sliced red chili. It really was the perfect accompaniment to the deep-fried dishes, and I would highly recommend you try it out for yourself. Chances are you might have a new Thai salad favorite over the much-loved green papaya!

While we were digging into our starters, I couldn’t help admiring Busaba Eathai’s cutlery. Their spoons, knives and forks look so rustic, feel rather heavy to hold, and have a stunning gunmetal finish. The staff tell us these have been specially designed and manufactured in Thailand for Busaba, and is apparently the most stolen items in their London branch!

Busaba Eathai is a child-friendly space, and as a mummy I was very happy to see my little daughter keeping herself preoccupied with their complimentary set of colour pencils.

For our round of mains, we were told Busaba Eathai’s specialty is their Mussaman Duck Curry. The staff tell us a total of 22 different spices go into creating this curry, and the complexity of the dish is evident in the aromas that hit our nostrils as soon as the dish was served on our table.

This bowl has a very generous serving of soft, succulent duck meat. The curry itself has a deep, dark brownish colour and is rather thick and creamy. It goes beautifully well with the Thai Jasmine Rice served on the side.

Our other main dish was Busaba Eathai’s Ginger Beef, a flavorful toss-up of perfectly cooked beef strips, Thai green pepper, chili and spring onion.

By far, my favorite main dish at Busaba Eathai was their Pad Thai. They use the thinner, shoe-string style rice noodles here, which in my opinion helps the noodles take on the marinated flavors better. I asked for mine to be extra spicy, and could taste the characteristic flavor of roasted chili flakes through the dish. However, I still had to add more Sriracha sauce to increase the heat!

Busaba Eathai’s Pad Thai is topped with crab meat, and served with slices of sweet Thai green mango.

For our dessert round, we had Busaba Eathai’s Thai Ruby, the classic Thai dessert consisting of water chestnut rubies and slivers of jackfruit served in a sweetened coconut base, and topped with shaved ice.

The other dessert on our table was Busaba Eathai’s Lemongrass Sorbet. This sorbet was a light, refreshing ending to a very hearty meal, and I loved the hint of exotic lemongrass running through it. A topping of ground, salted peanuts adds a crunchy dimension to each spoonful.

The portion sizes at Busaba Eathai are generously large, and encourage casual, communal eating. Busaba Eathai really satiated our craving for authentic Thai grub, and we took solace in warm, soothing sips of lemongrass-laced tea to end this epic meal.

Busaba Eathai currently has only one outlet in Dubai, and plans to open more in the near future. Do look them up on The Beach, JBR. Call 04 4281421 for table reservations. Here’s hoping you enjoy their dishes as much as I did!

Operation Falafel is on a serious gastronomic mission. This spunky eatery is aiming to reintroduce the flavors of Arabic street food, in the guise of a contemporary dining experience. What’s more, they operate 24/7! Ever faced a serious case of falafel or shawarma cravings at odd hours into the night? Fret not, Operation Falafel is here to the rescue :-)

Operation Falafel currently has two branches in Dubai. One is located on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah and the other, which we visited this weekend, is located on The Beach, JBR.

I love the very funky, new-age interior decor of the place. We got to the restaurant late into Friday night (around 9 pm), and were hard pressed at finding a table.

The ambiance is loud, friendly and casual. Arabic pop music blares out of the sound system, and tables of friends and families delve into an Arabic fare served in the classic simplicity of steel plates.

The menu design is absolutely gorgeous! Bound to look like a little story book, I love the graffiti-style Arabesque artwork on the front.

We started off our meal at Operation Falafel with very fresh, healthful juices. My daughter had watermelon, I went for carrot, and Hubby went for lemon-mint. You can really taste the refreshing difference when juices are made from scratch sans any bottled up commercial additives.

For starters, we decided to share a ‘Manaeesh’. A manaeesh is essentially an Arabic version of panini. Bread is swapped for pita bread, and the stuffing choices range from stretchy, gooey melted cheeses to minced meat or plain zaater. Like a panini, manaeesh is grilled, but this is often done in a traditional clay oven. At Operation Falafel, they have a whole section of the menu dedicated to manaeesh! We went for the Kashkaval Cheese Manaeesh. The bread used here is multi-grain, and the cheese stuffing has a tangy edge to it that is counteracted by the saltiness of the feta-like cheese. Chopped mint add a dimension of freshness to every bite.

When dining at Operation Falafel, ofcourse we had to order a plate of falafels! We went for a platter of Stuffed Falafel. These falafels have been stuffed with onions, pine-nuts and a rather spicy Arabic sauce called ‘shatta’. The falafels are topped with roasted white sesame seeds, and have the perfect outer crunch.

The inside is steamy hot and soft, and is moreish enough to have on its own sans any condiments.

The falafels come in a compartmentalized steel plate which includes a hummus dip, two ‘khubz’ (Arabic pita bread), a salad, a serving of Arabic pickle, and tahina sauce (sesame paste).

The khubz on this platter went untouched as we were served a basket of fresh khubz, made on the premises, right out of the oven! These puffed up beauties were perfect allies for scooping up all that hummus.

The other dish on our table was Operation Falafel’s Shawarma Saj Platter. You get a choice between chicken or beef, and the staff were accommodating enough to give us a 50-50 of both. This platter is essentially an opened up shawarma, the stuffing left open for the diner to eat as he or she pleases. The ‘saj’ bread is amazingly light, and bears the appearance of translucent, fine linen. We enjoyed having the meat with big dollops of the divinely delicious garlic paste on the side.

Ending our meal on a sweet note, we went for a ‘not-so-authentic’ choice for dessert. This is Operation Falafel’s Chocolate & Banana Dough. The base is a pita bread, and it has been smothered in a thick layer of Nutella. Chopped Kinder chocolate has been sprinkled on top, and each wedge is garnished with a slice of banana. Decadent, and simple enough to make at home!

We couldn’t finish this chocolate-laden treat, and packed up the leftovers. I had a slice right out of the fridge the next day, and it tasted even better with the chocolate hardened!

For simplistic Arabic street-food, do check out Operation Falafel for yourself. The fact that they are open 24/7 is great news for noctural foodies like me :-) We went to the branch on The Beach JBR. They also have another branch on Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah and good news is they do deliveries around both areas. Call 600530006 for details.