Gastronomic grandeur
Our taste buds are tingling with anticipation, especially about the Gourmet Chocolate and Pastry Brunch on February 17 at the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi. The event, of course, is the fourth Gourmet Abu Dhabi, a marriage of culture and cuisine that features fine food, top vintages, five-star venues, unique dining experiences, master chefs and free masterclasses. Presented by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the 2012 edition runs from the gala opening on February 8 at the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa to the awards gala dinner on February 23 at the Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi. After January in the gym, reward yourself with 15 days of culinary bliss.
Find out more and make reservations at www.gourmetabudhabi.ae or call 02 418 1401 from 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday
True and good and clean and bold
Wednesday nights will never be the same. Ruth's Chris Steak House is honouring Ernest Hemingway with a weekly celebration of the Nobel Prize-winning author's passions. Guests enjoy a signature welcome beverage, followed by a gourmet three-course meal and then a post-prandial Cuban cigar. With such dishes as Seared Ahi Tuna, Caribbean Lobster Tail, Herb Crusted Sea Bass, Fillet of Beef seared at 1,000°C, Chocolate Sin Cake and Petite Crème Brûlée among the offerings, we plan to channel our inner Papa and to ponder desire, wickedness and innocence until the wee hours. It will be good. Damned good.
The Hemingway, Dh495, Ruth's Chris Steak House, The Monarch Dubai, 04 501 8666; www.ruthschris.com/Steak-House/111126/Dubai
Let's get cracking
Now you can make a statement and breakfast at the same time. Accomplished home cooks know that Severin has a wide range of easy-to-use kitchen appliances, and this egg boiler is the perfect example. The sleek and modern gadget can boil six eggs at a time, just as you like them - soft, medium or hard - and even signals when they're ready. A matching toaster and coffee maker are also available, meaning an attractive kitchen counter and - presuming you have a willing and devoted cook - a sumptuous breakfast in bed await you.
Severin egg boiler, Dh150, available at all Juma Al Majid Home Appliances outlets in the UAE; www.severin.com
Beads and bites
What's not to like about a glittery evening of foodie fun? Back for a second run are the BBC Good Food Middle East Awards, with La Petite Maison at DIFC, Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Zuma at DIFC and Okku at The Monarch Dubai as the Restaurant of the Year finalists. After voting by the public in 21 dining and ingredients categories, the winners will be announced at a Mardis Gras-themed dinner set for February 21 at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC. Dh350 - or a bargain Dh2,000 for a table of 10 - gets you a canapé and beverage reception, a three-course meal with beverages and a VIP after-party. We're searching for our spangly mask now.
Find out more and buy tickets at http://bbcgoodfoodme.com/bbcGF/awards/
All zipped up with coins to store
Your average coin pouch is of the boringly plain variety; it doesn't alleviate the hassle of carrying heavy coins at all. These assorted fruit purses won't do much to lessen the weight of them, but they sure do look good.
Dh520 each, CH Carolina Herrera, Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 650 3867; Dubai Mall, 04 339 8132; and elsewhere
Cream dream
Calling all tea party hostesses: your milk jug can be fashionable. This "Fred & Friends" creamer is actually super hip, especially when contrasted with vintage tea sets, a silver tray and a lace doily.
Dh100, Posters, Tourist Club area, near Al Diar Capital Hotel, 02 672 4724
Yo, sushi!
iPhone covers don't get more fun than this sushi version from iMeshi. The Japanese brand does an assortment of food items, but nothing could top this ebi and toro nigiri. Be prepared for some serious stares.
Approximately Dh190, www.strapya-world.com
