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Issue 492 March 2019 UAE DHS15 TA S T E O F P O R T U G A L NOW IN DUBAI MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, DUBAI | Tel +971 777 2223 | @tascadubai CONTENTS 03/2019 FEATURES ART OF THE MATTER WHAT TO SEE AND DO AT ART DUBAI P20 28 FRESHERS’ FAIR Join a sports team, sign up to a new class and get brilliant discounts at Try Dubai 2019 37 LIT FEST 2019 A guide to this year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature 28 43 THRILLER LIVE Page 43 Get ready for a Dubai Opera concert celebrating Michael Jackson’s best hits 37 03.2019_What’s On_3 CONTENTS COVER REGULARS 16 Yalla! Quick fix of news 96 Win! An exclusive dinner at Al Maha resort 98 A look back Highlights from the What’s On archives to celebrate our 40th year 63 Cover: Sheila Deocareza Stay in touch 47 CONSUME Get What's On on tablet o your y 49 EAT Pasta with a view at all’onda; smashing food – and plates – at Opa; unique dishes at Kizmet Plus, Taste of Dubai 82 63 DRINK The London Project is our Bar Of The Month WhatsOn.ae Our stunning website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas It’s your online destination for stuff to in the UAE Get clicking Page 51 91 65 CULTURE 66 AGENDA Six unmissable art events to attend this month 70 FILM Captain Marvel, a femaleled superhero blockbuster; Disney remake of Dumbo; The Aftermath starring Keira Knightley; and Lupita Nyong’o scares everyone, including herself, in Us 74 MUSIC Navigate this month’s music mayhem with our big gig guide 76 BOOKS 70 4_What’s On_03.2019 Reverend Andy Thompson on his new UAE-based book, Celebrating Tolerance 79 ACTIVE 81 SPORT Three studios to try; swim clubs and competitions; and a superhero fun run 87 WELL-BEING How and where to get your chakras realigned 91 TRAVEL Where to stay and what to see in Cape Town What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai ADVERTISEMENT JONES THE GROCER MOVES INTO DUBAI MALL An artisan cheese room, a meat ager, exciting new dishes and so much more – all within a new location in the heart of the city OPENING MARCH F amous Australian brand Jones The Grocer is set to open a beautifully designed store on the ground floor of Dubai Mall in March Featuring a 3,200 square foot balcony with stunning views of the Dubai Fountain, a unique children’s play area and a Jones coffee caravan serving a selection of smoothies, juices and lattes – Jones the Grocer is set to become the ultimate in gourmet mall dining Here are five things to get excited about… THE MEAT AGER A first for a Jones the Grocer store in the Middle East, the meat ager will carry prime butcher’s cuts such as the succulent Jack’s Creek Australian Black Angus beef The meat is prepared with absolute care and precision, then dry aged above Himalayan pink salt imbuing it with a tender melt-inmouth feel that is bursting with flavour THE WALK-IN CHEESE ROOM Diners can explore a walk-in cheese room filled with over 80 varieties of cheeses sourced directly from artisan farmers and cheese-makers, ranging from Tete de Moine from the Swiss Alps to Haute Savoie from France, Truffle Gouda from Italy and Desert Flower from an artisan cheese-maker in Dubai DELICIOUS MEALS Early birds can enjoy a hearty breakfast from a traditional English breakfast to a flavourful organic acai bowl Mouthwatering options for lunch and dinner include Moroccan spiced lamb shoulder on rosemary flatbread, and Jones the grocer’s signature dryaged Australian Black Angus tomahawk SHARING PLATTERS Perfect for dining with friends, the new sharing menu includes signature items such as the Artisan cheese platter, cured and curd platter and the Jones sharing platter featuring tasty treats from the charcuterie and cheese room THE DELICATESSEN Diners can also shop from a carefully selected range of Jones the Grocer speciality chocolate, exclusively roasted coffee beans, teas, cheese accompaniments, Australian yellow box honey and other gourmet groceries and impulse snacks WIN! EAT FOR FREE FOR A YEAR To celebrate Mother’s Day, Jones is giving you the chance to eat for free for a year at Jones Dubai Mall Simply visit the store between March 17 to 31, take a picture of you and your family and post it on Facebook Tag @JonesTheGrocerDubaiMall, use the hashtag #JonesDubaiMall and you’ll enter the draw to win The winner will be announced on March 31 Terms and conditions apply FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT JONESTHEGROCER.COM ADVERTISEMENT WHEN: Fri 12.30pm to 4pm PRICE: Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with house drinks and prosecco and Dhs600 with champagne PREPARE TO TANTALISE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT CAESARS BLUEWATERS DUBAI Hello, Gordon! NEW! HELL’S KITCHEN HELLICIOUS BRUNCH I f you’re familiar with the Hell’s Kitchen TV show, you’ll know the basic premise: two teams – red and blue –battle it out to be crowned head chef of a restaurant Now, Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen in Dubai is launching a brand new brunch inspired by this brilliant concept Promising ‘theatrics from the hit TV show’, the new Hellicious Brunch sees red and blue teams presenting brunch goers with a fun culinary challenge On the menu, guests tuck into signature dishes such as the famous beef Wellington, crispy salmon and mushroom and goat cheese gnocchi all made famous by the hit television show There will also be live stations that include an array of beef, salmon and tuna tartare, plus an oyster tower, as well as all-American brunch classics, such as chicken ‘n’ waffles, all served to the sounds of indie pop and live rock music A C T I V E WELL–BEING // REVIEW TRIED & TESTED Balancing act What’s the deal with chakra realignment? A s we wander into Dr Smitha Prabhakar’s treatment room at Rixos The Palm’s Anjana Spa, we’re feeling a little worse for wear It’s flu season, and our energy levels are flatter than a day-old souffle We’re here to test the new Wellness Chakra and Energy Analysis, and although we’ve heard the word ‘chakra’ bandied about in yoga class, we have no idea what we’re in for Our session begins with Dr Smitha analysing our chakras using a fingerprint scanner, a hi-tech little box you might expect to see at the airport, rather than a day spa We talk about areas in our lives where we feel there is a ‘blockage’ – work stress, parenting guilt, the usual – and Dr Smitha explains that these blockages can cause an imbalance in energy flow through the chakras, of which there are seven, from the crown of your head to the tip of your tailbone Once the analysis is complete, Dr Smitha leads us into a darkened room, where we lie down on a bed and get tucked into a bundle of thick, cosy blankets She takes a seat at the top of the bed and begins whispering while gently massaging our scalp Within minutes, we’re in a meditative state, only vaguely aware of Dr Smitha muttering away quietly Picture the scene from Harry Potter, where Dumbledore extracts memories using his wand – it’s a trip Once she’s finished the guided meditation, Dr Smitha reanalyses our chakras, and then shows how they have shifted It’s fascinating to see that most have come into line Dr Smitha says we should expect to witness a miracle in the next two days, and we’re amazed at how we feel: revitalised, buoyant, balanced And for a jaded journo, perhaps that’s a miracle in itself a Anjana Spa, Rixos The Palm, Dubai, Dhs800 Tel: (04) 4575400 thepalmdubai rixos.com WELLNESS WEEKEND Want to recharge without heading out of town? At Rixos Premium Dubai in JBR, book a two-night Wellness Staycation, which includes healthy in-room breakfasts, a one-hour personal training session each day, and a 60-minute massage or Royal Ottoman hammam experience a Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, Dubai, from Dhs900 a night Tel: (04) 520 000 premiumdubai.rixos.com 03.2019_What’s On_87 A C T I V E WELL–BEING // NEWS The royal treatment Three ways to get fit and fabulous at Caesar’s Palace Qua Spa SPECIAL OFFER Book one Iyashi Dome treatment in March and receive another session free 3 WORK OUT UNDER WATER BE PAMPERED ON A QUARTZ BED DETOX IN A HIGH-TECH DOME For a low-impact, high-energy workout, sign up for an AquaFitness circuit class at Caesars Resort First, increase your pulse rate with a spin on the aqua bike, then step it out on the underwater treadmill, and bounce your way to a firm behind on the trampoline Finish your session on the balance board, which will call on all of your core strength to keep you upright as you squat, lunge, jump and plank Price: Dhs150 for group classes; Dhs300 for private classes The verdict: a full-body workout that’s full of fun The treatments at Qua Spa are the perfect blend of hi-tech and high-touch, and nowhere is that more apparent than the Royal Arabian Desert experience This soothing 90-minute massage takes place on a state-of-the-art quartz bed, which allows your body to sink into a cushion of tiny heated stones while your therapist pummels you with invigorating ginger and black pepper oil, and a hot quartz poultice laced with frankincense Price: Dhs890 for 90 minutes The verdict: a truly transformative massage that will leave you floating Inspired by the Japanese pastime of ‘Suna Ryoho’, where locals bury themselves in the sand near hot springs to eliminate toxins, the Iyashi Dome at Qua Spa is a cutting-edge cocoon that warms the body using infrared rays A 45-minute session in this piping-hot pod will have you sweating bullets as it detoxes the body, stimulates the metabolism, eases joint pain and burns up to 600 calories Price: Dhs400 for 45 minutes The verdict: a detoxifying experience that leaves you feeling lighter and leaner MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS MADE EASY Dubai’s doctors are now at your fingertips, thanks to the launch of Okadoc, an app that lets you find and book medical professionals in real time You can search via specialisation, language, location and your insurance policy, and then choose from more than 16,000 doctors on the database… all without having to wait on hold for an eternity q okadoc.com 88_W 88_What’s On_03.2019 _ DINE & UNWIND Treat yourself to a journey of delicious relaxation with a spa and dining deal daily at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort Surrender all your senses in a full day of pampering with an exquisite lunch or dinner at Crescendo or Revo Café Feel your stress melt away with a Hammam or Massage and dine on enticing menu options as you gaze across the calm waters of Palm Jumeirah Saturday - Thursday AED 599* per person, including one spa treatment from a selected menu, buffet lunch or dinner at Crescendo with juice and water, pool and beach access Fridays AED 630* per person, including one spa treatment from a selected menu, 3-course lunch or dinner at Revo Café with juice and water, pool and beach access Terms and conditions apply *Inclusive of 7% Municipality Fee, 10% Service Charge and 5% VAT LIFE IS A JOURNEY Visit anantara.com ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT P.O BOX 71607, EAST CRESCENT, PALM JUMEIRAH, DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES T +971 567 8140 • E spa.dubai@anantara.com A C T I V E Cape Town neighbourhood guide Photo: Getty Images How to explore South Africa’s Mother City, one district at a time 03.2019_What’s On_91 A C T I V E TRAVEL // CAPE TOWN SEA POINT & GREEN POINT A happening haunt if you like to be beside the seaside Tucked away between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean, on the north-western edge of the city, are the desirable seaside suburbs of Sea Point and Green Point The two are linked by a wide, sweeping promenade that’s alive with dogwalkers, joggers and families out to enjoy the broad expanse of blue where sky meets sea Join the procession on a rental bike from UpCycle in Sea Point, check out the art installations along the way, and stop for a swim at the beach or public pools The most epic way to see this area, though, is to swoop in on a paraglider Several companies launch tandem flights from Signal Hill, and it’s a straight-up thrill to soar above the glistening Atlantic, taking in mind-blowing views of Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, before landing right onto the promenade Stay at The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa for some laid-back luxury, and be sure to choose a room with sea views CAMPS BAY Stay and play in wealthy Camps Bay for a slice of beachside villa life Nestled against the western edge of Table Mountain, Camps Bay is one of the city’s most affluent areas – think shiny, upmarket Malibu vibes as whitewashed mansions terrace their way down towards the popular beach, where whales have been known to come right into shore to wave hello A buzzing promenade STUNNING VILLAS AT CAMPS BAY BEACH of bars and restaurants are all geared towards the daily spectacle of those glorious African sunsets Try The Hussar Grill, renowned for its melt-in-the-mouth meat – South Africans, after all, know their steak and you’d be hard-pressed to find a bad one in this gastronomic city The higher price tag of an Airbnb in this wealthy, Insta-worthy suburb is worth it for a ballin’, beachside villa and its convenient proximity OUT OF TOWN – FRANSCHHOEK A short drive out of the city is the quaint town of Franschhoek, known for its colonial charm, established vineyards and unbelievable natural beauty Soak up the Cape Dutch architecture with a spot of shopping and café hopping in town, or jump on the special tram that takes you out to the surrounding vineyards The area has been a bountiful spot for growing grapes for several hundred years and has an interesting history 92_What’s On_03.2019 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 01 South Africa is an affordable destination, so your Dirhams will go far 02 Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Cape Town three times a day, and return flights start from around Dhs3,500 03 Uber is a decent and cheap way to get around this sprawling city 04 Driving (on the left) is relatively straight-forward and renting a car is reasonable, as is hiring a driver 05 As in any major city, take precaution with your belongings to the city centre Camps Bay is also a solid starting point for an astonishingly scenic coastal road trip south, past the towering crests of the Twelve Apostles and through Chapman’s Peak THE CITY BOWL The cultural and commercial core of Cape Town Cape Town proper comprises the area between Table Mountain’s northern slopes and the port, known as the City Bowl Flanked by the magnificent peak of Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and the Table, it’s a preposterously photogenic urban space If catching the cable car to the top of Table Mountain seems too easy, there are several hiking trails favoured by active locals The accessible Lion’s Head hike also offers mindblowing views of the city Culturally, there’s much to explore, including the brightly painted historic houses and 200-year-old mosque in BoKaap The Bo-Kaap Museum is one of the best places to learn about the region’s turbulent history Capetonians are a cool, friendly bunch, and you’ll find them dining at cosily quirky Kloof Street House before heading out to relaxed bars like The Village Idiot Stay at Cloud Boutique Hotel & Spa to be close enough to the bustle yet far enough from the hustle, and take in views from the rooftop WOODSTOCK The city’s hipster hangout offers real creative flavour East of the city centre is one of Cape Town’s trendiest ‘hoods, Woodstock This is the creative heart of Cape Town, a melting pot of art and ideas There’s little pretence here, just an urban hub of authentic artisans, edgy artists and forward-thinking foodies, with plenty of vintage stores and galleries to peruse among the graffitied industrial spaces, as well as uber-cool dining destinations The Old Biscuit Mill offers a focal point, home to fashionable boutique stores and epicurean hotspot The Pot Luck Club On Saturdays, the Neighbourgoods Market pops up as a foodie paradise – a commotion of tempting stalls whipping up everything from gigantic paellas to steaming trays of dim sum, plus live music and craft stalls to boot Use the DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside as a base from which to explore all the vibey venues in the locale 03.2019_What’s On_93 A C T I V E TRAVEL // CAPE XXXXXX TOWN KALK BAY A hippie haven at the gateway to the Cape This artsy, bohemian village south of the city is a relaxed base for exploring the Cape Peninsula The Cape of Good Hope is where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean, and stands as an iconic maritime landmark for sailors rounding the great continent of Africa Cape Point National Park is home to zebra, eland and an adorable colony of African penguins Visit these little guys at Boulders Beach, an extraordinary spot where you’ll share sunbathing space with the penguins that waddle past to frolic in the shallows, for the most part unperturbed by their human companions Back in Kalk Bay, legendary seafront gastropub The Brass Bell is a must for lunch, and the complex has its own ‘beach’ with a seawater pool Kalk Bay is also just next door to Muizenberg, where Cape Town’s surfers hang ten, and the breaks on this wide stretch of beach are great for beginners Stay at The Inn at Castle Hill to experience comfortable, colonial Cape Town vibes V&A WATERFRONT The vibrant heart of the city is a must for visitors to Cape Town Not so much a neighbourhood as a dedicated entertainment complex, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is a big MEET PENGUINS AT BOULDERS BEACH draw for tourists The area hums with the activity of artsy markets, boutiques, food stalls, overpriced souvenir shops and heaving restaurants that overlook the busy port The Robben Island Museum is also here, where you catch the boat over for a tour It’s a sobering experience to visit the former prison island that held Nelson Mandela captive for so many years, but it’s also informative and surprising, with hundreds of years of fascinating history to absorb Back on the mainland, a visit to SA isn’t really complete without a trip to Ocean Basket This seafood chain restaurant serves up tasty crustaceans and fishy dishes in a relaxed setting, and from here you can swing by the Two Oceans Aquarium to, erm, apologise to our underwater friends BIG DRAW FOR TOURISTS 94_What’s On_03.2019 WIN! AN EXCLUSIVE DESERT MOON DINNER AT AL MAHA RESORT & SPA Promising a sunset excursion unlike any other, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is offering one lucky What’s On winner and a plus one the chance to experience an intimate evening among the dunes On March 29, the resort will host its exclusive Desert Moon Dinner in a secluded dune setting If you’ve been to this luxurious nature reserve in Dubai, you’ll know what a unique destination it is And if you haven’t, here’s your chance to discover the tranquility of the desert The experience begins with a tour of the reserve followed by sundowners and a falconry demonstration You can also enjoy camel rides on the dunes followed a decadent gourmet dinner qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win WIN! A NIGHT STAY AND BRUNCH FOR TWO AT TOWERS ROTANA Enjoy an indulgent brunch at the popular Flavours on Two, and relax at this swish hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road Set in the heart of the city, Dubai Mall and the beach are just minutes away, making Towers Rotana an ideal spot for a city break qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 96_What’s On_03.2019 Every first and third Friday of every month A LOOK BACK P R O U D LY B O R E D O M - B U S T I N G S I N C E 9 AT THE EARLY DISCO YEARS IAN FAIRSERVICE Managing Partner & Group Editor I realised very early on that What’s On wasn’t going to generate enough income to support itself and our small team, so I bought a mobile disco and record collection from a friend in the UK and went into business as the ‘Dune Beat Disco’ The pun may not have been that good but it worked out well for us financially We toured the Emirates doing regular gigs in Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah and, of course, Dubai There was great demand for the country’s first mobile disco from hotels, private clubs and homes The disco promoted the magazine and we carried a monthly report “The Dune Beat Trail” featuring our antics every month It was super PR, a lot of fun and quite lucrative After a couple of years I was finally able to hang up my signature white suit - but it was fun while it lasted! NEXT MONTH IN WHAT’S ON The UAE Adventure Issue – from epic hikes to rock climbing sites, brilliant watersports to superb scuba diving spots – find everything you need to know about the great outdoors 98_What’s On_03.2019 make the most of now Be the first to discover the new and only 5-star hotel in the heart of Dubai Media City Where your heart checks in, Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City is your new destination For reservations movenpick.com/grand-plaza +971 525 7666 gpmovenpick ... at Try Dubai on March 22! twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai 14_What’s On_ 03 .2019 SIX REASONS TO HIT ESCAPE AT W DUBAI –... happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai ADVERTISEMENT JONES THE GROCER MOVES INTO DUBAI MALL... will always be the number one priority during your training Visit Try Dubai to see live demonstrations throughout the afternoon q dubaiprowrestling.com 03 .2019_ What’s On_ 31