Category: Lifestyle features

Say Yo! to sushi and so much more

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Lifestyle features, RestaurantsLeave a comment

The brand-new menu will entice return guests and convert first-time visitors

If you’re the sort of person who lives to eat, rather than eats to live, then this one’s for you. With 11 exciting new additions to their already amazing menu, Yo! Sushi has just made eating more fun.

Dubai’s most popular spot for Japanese street food has added lots more colourful plates of delicious non-veg and even more tasty vegetarian dishes to the roster. And they have an all-new menu design, making it so much harder for you to choose just one!

Take a seat right next to their signature kaiten conveyor belt, and reach out for the scrumptious Mixed Maki rolls. If you swear by non-veg, then pick the Prawn Star or Chicken Avocado rolls instead.

Give your palate a unique hit with the Chunky Tuna pieces, rolled in coriander and quickly seared to perfection. Or try the Shichimi Seared Salmon, with just a touch of lemon juice. Yum!

Your vegetarian friends need not fret. The Glazed Aubergine and Avocado Nigiri are finger-lickingly good, and will have you reaching out for more.

There’s also the Tenderstem Salad, served on a rich sesame sauce, and the Stir Fried Pak Choi and Garlic plate. If you think vegetarian food cannot make a meal, the Shiitake Mushroom Ramen dish is a game-changer for sure.

Stack your table with bright colours as you fill your tummies with delicious food. You can wash it all down with our selection of beverages, and don’t forget to snap a picture and share it.

You can enjoy your favourite dishes at any Yo! Sushi outlet in the UAE, or find them on popular Online Ordering Apps with delivery across the UAE.

MonViso Water to have an active presence at the Mother of the Nation Festival

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Lifestyle features, Retail TherapyLeave a comment

Monviso Water Al jalila.jpg

MonViso, the purest and minimally mineralized Italian water, reiterates its ongoing commitment to promoting empowerment, conservation, collaboration, and sustainabilitywith its presence at the Mother of the Nation Festival organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi to pay tribute to Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak.

According to Stefano Iorini, Managing Director, MonViso Trading LLC, “MonViso’s shared values and vision is evident in the brand’s “Take Water. Give Life” campaign. The humanitarian and sustainable aspects of the Mother of Nation event also highlights the best of humanity through its multiple and diverse activity zones, as well as an entertaining and immersive atmosphere that welcomes the entire community of all age groups and nationalities.”

“We are delighted to support the Mother of the Nation Festival as we value the community spirit that brings people together in local events promoting tolerance. This is central to our principle as a brand committed to humanitarian values that promote solidarity and collaboration within the new generation,” added Stefano.

Stefano also appreciates that the festival focuses on people’s nutritional choices on their bodies and the environment, and the collective responsibility of the community towards the development of a healthy sustainable society. The festival is also known to celebrate the UAE’s rich heritage, cultural diversity, and the impact of the nation through recent history with impressive achievements.

The MonViso stand at the festival will emphasizethe vision and principles of the brand as for every 1 litre sold, MonViso is donating 1 AED to the Al Jalila Foundation, which supports the global cause of transforming lives through medical education and research.

The brand’s humanitarian and sustainability commitment is evident, as since January 2017 till February 2019, MonViso has donated the equivalent of over 347,190 liters.

Visitors to the MonViso stand at the Mother of the Nation Festival will be able to sample the Alpine Italian mineral water from Europe’s highest source with the lowest content of sodium in the world,contaminant-free purity, low-grade mineralization and low nitrate content.

An eco conscious brand, MonViso recently launched a recycling program for homes, in association with HomeCycle, which is the brand’s logistical partner for home collection of plastic bottles and glass. The sustainability program’s revenues from the net sales are donated to Al Jalila Foundation.

From the health perspective, the minimally mineralized waterhelps avoid fatigue, purifies the kidneys, helps maintain optimal blood pressure and makes it safe to consume in large quantities. The Italian Ministry of Health recognizes MonViso water as suitable for the preparation of baby food and formula. 

Launched in Dubai 4 years ago, MonViso is now available in several outlets across the UAE.

Bar Baar Launches New Street Food Menu in Town ‘Gully Boy’

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Food & Nutrition (Cuisine), Lifestyle features, Restaurants, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Capturing on the recent Bollywood’s backstreet rapper movie – ‘Gully Boy’, it would be hard not to imagine strolling through the crowded streets of Mumbai without grabbing a ‘Vada pav’ or indulging in some lip-smacking ‘Chicken Chilly’ and relishing the Indian (Gully) Street Food.

India is one proud nation well renowned for giving hunger pangs through its wide varieties of scrumptious, quick and heap street food. And to ensure that you don’t just reminisce the mouth-watering delights, Bar Baar, recently nominated for the ‘Best Bar Food’ at the Time out 2019 awards introduces the new street food menu ‘Gully Boy’.

Promising to offer a vegetarian and non-vegetarian street-food paradise, the tantalizing delights in the ‘Gully Boy menu’ is certain to leave you drooling from its ‘Bawa Chicken Puffs’, ‘Full Too Samosas’, ‘Bhai Ka Mutton Biryani’ and ‘Ek Dum Mast Momos’. It will be available every day of the week for lunch and dinner from 1:00 p.m onwards till 3:00 am starting from the range of AED 15 to AED 55 only.

“Garnering on the Gully Boy Fever, where Bollywood has made its first movie about rap music, we intend to take you on a delicious journey and give you the authenticity of Real India with the opportunity to taste the Indian (Gully) Street Food and introduce the spirit of Indian Hip Hop and Rap culture through the soul of our food”. said Mr. Parvez Mhd – Managing Director of Bar Baar.

He further added, “Bringing in new Indian Hip Hop and RAP culture with Live performances from India’s most talented, prominent and elite will be a new genre to Dubai – the city that never sleeps. Through the Indian (Gully) Street food which has originated from the streets, we want to introduce the raw feel of hip hop, evoke talent and inspire the millennials. We will also start a new venture of outdoor delivery ‘Gully boy’ by BarBaar to cater to our customers and ensure that Indian (Gully) Street food reaches every doorstep.”

The new ‘Gully Boy” menu offers all food-lovers an experience that will evoke memories, ignite the passion for Indian Rap culture, perfect to excite a smile on their faces and that certainly makes Bar Baar the best place to hang out and enjoy the company of good friends, food and drinks.

LULU PROMOTES FOOD IS GREAT BRITAIN: A BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Lifestyle features, Retail TherapyLeave a comment

LuLu, the largest hypermarket chain in the region, launched its annual British food festival “Food is Great Britain: Truly British, Truly Delicious”. The week-long fest highlights a wide variety of food products imported from the UK, which is available at great discounts from 18thto 26thMarch 2019.

The launch event was inaugurated by H.E Patrick Moody, British Ambassador to the UAE, at LuLu Hypermarket at World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of LuLu Group Chairman and Managing Director Yusuff Ali M.A, other top officials, and government authorities.

Speaking on the occasion, Yusuff Ali M.A said: “For over two decades of serving a multi-ethnic customer base, LuLu has managed the lifestyle needs of both the locals and expat community. From food offerings to fashion, home essentials, electronics, and much more, it is a one-stop shop that showcases global flavours and culture. “Food is Great Britain” is one such event that puts a spotlight on the traditional flavours, culture and quality produce of the UK. Our British sourcing offices and food processing units have helped us become successful in guaranteeing non-stop supply at the most competitive prices all year round.”

LuLu brings delicious British classics at pocket-friendly prices for the food festival. Savour the fresh flavours of dairies from Rachel’s Organic, which are perfect for breakfast or quick snacks to help you with proper digestion and strengthening immune system. Nutrient-packed juices are available to quench your thirst, from Coldpress, Robinsons and The Berry Company. For high quality frozen fruits and vegetables that you can use daily for cooking and baking, Ardo’s well-chosen product range can help you save a lot of time and energy in the kitchen, as they are pre-washed and pre-cut. Moreover, enjoy the famous flavours and crisp taste of Walkers crisps, made from the finest potatoes from over 80 farms around Britain.

LuLu has flown in more than 2,000 products across brands like Horlicks, Whole Earth, Longley Farm, and John West—from cheeses to organic and healthy range, fruits and vegetables, dairies, sweet delicacies, and many more classic offerings, which will highlight an authentic British shopping experience. Moody said: “I am extremely delighted by the range and quality of products Lulu has imported for this promotion and I am sure these products will be highly appreciated not only by British nationals, but also the local and other expat communities residing here.”

With 163 stores operating worldwide, LuLu has continuously been exerting its greatest efforts to provide and sustain the supply of global products at the best rates. With the excellent combination of high quality offerings and organised logistics system, LuLu remains to be the favourite shopping destination in the UAE when it comes to a broader selection of international products.

 

We love shake shack

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Food & Nutrition (Cuisine), Lifestyle features, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Round up your ‘cue crew! Shake Shack®is thrilled to announce a limited-edition lineup of BBQ items, available from February 10 for a limited time at all UAE Shacks:

The BBQ ShackMeister®Burgeris a 100% all-natural Angus beef cheeseburgertopped with crispy ShackMeister®seasoned shallots and Shack BBQ sauce.

The BBQ Chick’n Shack™ is a crispy 100% all-natural and antibiotic-free chicken breast with Shack BBQ sauce and pickles.

The BBQ Veal Bacon & Cheese Friesare crinkle-cut fries topped with veal bacon, Shack BBQ Sauce and cheese sauce.

“After working on our Shack BBQ sauce for quite some time, we were so humbled by its popularity with fans across the Middle East. We’re pumped to bring back a favorite!”, said Mark Rosati, Culinary Director of Shake Shack. “Our Shack BBQ sauce takes inspiration from a few of our favorite regional BBQ styles from the US, from the thick and rich tomato-based Kansas City style to the tangy South Carolina mustard style, and adds wonderful flavor to our limited-time burger, chicken, and fries.”

Seeking the Sun – Lanzarote

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Hotel, Lifestyle features, Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

Lanzaroteis the perfect weather destination for holiday seekers almost all year round with diverse landscapesthat range fromvolcanic caves, lava lakes and craters, sandy beaches and transparent waters.

The natural heritage areas, dramatic landscapes, bustling tourist towns, parks and long sandy beaches makes Lanzarote an island of exceptional beauty and an ideal place to visit. If you are a nature lover, drop in at the Parque Nacional de Timanfaya, (Timanfaya National Park) which is one of the island’s greatest tourist attractions.

With excellent year-round climate and unique landscape, Lanzarote allows sun and the beach lovers to enjoy a series of activities likediving,surfing, windsurfing, swimming and kite surfing. It is a paradise for surferswith powerful waves and on calm days, visitors can dive anywhere in Lanzarote.

If you really enjoy surfing, head to Famara Beachwhere both beginners and advanced surfers gather and head to the sea to get practice. Sailingin Lanzarote is also perfect in the summer when the island receivesTrade Winds, ensuring you can sail without risk and enjoy the full experience of being out on the water.

The weather in Lanzarote is perfect for hiking, running, golfing, trekking, bikingand much more when exploring the local outskirts. The cycle network routes to suit all levels of bikers who can enjoy the view the island offers of volcanoes and unique landscapes. Runners can enjoy trails through mountains as they come across wild coasts, cliffs and nature trails as well as shops and cafes to enjoy local food.

If you enjoy golfing, Lanzaroteis known for enjoying each hole against an unbelievable backdrop formed by sea and volcanoes.  Golf can be played year-round in favourable climatic conditions, thanks to the island’s average temperature of 22°C. The two golf courses in Lanzarote are built in perfect harmony with the landscape and close to beaches, restaurants and other leisure activities.

Families can enjoy spectacular crystal-clear waters and superb stretches of white, golden and black sand. Popular beaches are Papagayo, Puerto del Carmen and Matagorda, Famara, Arrieta, Caleton Blanco, Orzola and the island of La Graciosa.

Because of the lush vegetation and natural resources, food in Lanzarote is fresh and mostly organic and visitors can try local traditional cuisine contemporary gastronomic dishes featuring fresh seafood, vegetables and meat.

If you are my type of a holidaymaker who makes spas a reason to go on holiday, you will not be disappointed in Lanzarote which has serene and sophisticated wellness centres, spas and thalassotherapy with massages and treatments that help your mind and body reach unwind and relax.

If you like celebrations, the traditional festivals and the famous Carnival should be perfect for you and on a smaller scale, the popular markets held every Sunday morning are fun with food and music.

Another place to go with children is The Atlantic Museum, the first underwater art museum in Europe that has a large artificial reef formed by 300 sculptures made with the neutral pH concrete that will in time increase marine biomass.

For nature lovers, Cueva de los Verdes is a fascinating cave to visit, created by the eruptions of the La Corona Volcano and The Cactus Garden is perfect for walks. Then there is the Mirador del Río, whichhas a balcony from where spectacular views over the Chinijo Archipelago can be enjoyed.

If you have time, the island of La Graciosa is a must visit as it is the most distinctive island in the Canaries, with only 600 inhabitants and is an idyllic destination full of peace, nature and serenity both in the popular areas and by its many beaches. Lanzarote is indeed a destination that has all one needs in one place for visitors of all ages.

 

 

 

Pearl of the Adriatic – Dubrovnik, Croatia

On By Shereen ShabnamIn Lifestyle features, Travel - Destination, Hospitality & Airline featuresLeave a comment

By Shereen Shabnam

Dubrovnik in Croatia is a city for all seasons and one of the world’s most prominent tourist destinations. Surrounded by unique medieval ramparts, Dubrovnik attracts visitors for its rich history, mild climate, traditional hospitality and its many festivals, open-air events and architectural treasures.

I explored Dubrovnik, a UNESCO registered protected world heritage site during the evening and in the day taking in the charm of bustling streets, art and different cultural events.

Walking along the promenade during the day meant coming across various art and artefacts on sale as well as live music performances. The open air performances add character to the different areas of the old town classical and jazz music and brings rhythm and charm into an already dazzling atmosphere.

While wandering through the markets, we toured the filming location of the ‘Game of Thrones’ television series and enjoyed some retail therapy of the related merchandise for fans back in the UAE.

The best part of Dubrovnik was exploring the old city, which had interesting markets, art galleries and city walls with fortresses offering beautiful views of the city, the open sea and the Island of Lokrum.

For panoramic views of Dubrovnik, visitors can take the cable car and set out on a scenic adventure that includes breathtaking views of the old town and enjoy the sunset. Make time to head to the Island of Lokrum and Elaphiti Islands or visit the Trsteno Arboretum, which is a protected monument of nature.

Dubrovnik is a great destination for adventure sports or active tourists who enjoy horse riding, hiking, cycling or sailing. A jeep safari or a canoe tour is also an interesting way to explore the area.

Dubrovnik was a gastronomic delight with an abundance of fresh and delectable food, often seasoned with olive oil. Try the naturally grown vegetables like courgettes, cabbage, aubergines tomatoes as well as seafood prepared in a simple way.

I had a full day exploring the old town and came across a Salvador Dali exhibition, which was an unexpected delight. Visitors who enjoy experience centres will enjoy The Cultural History Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum exhibition at Fortress Revelin, the Dubrovnik Natural Science Museum and the Dubrovnik State Archives.

The natural scenery in the area and panoramic views of the coast on the way to the old town in Dubrovnik were definitely some of the most memorable moments in Croatia.  I am already planning my next venture into the land of fortresses and medieval architecture.

Turkish Airlines recently added Dubrovnik, Croatia to its expanding network with three weekly flights for visitors intending to explore this beautiful city.