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Chris Evans reveals he’s been diagnosed with skin cancer during Virgin Radio show
Chris Evans reveals he’s been diagnosed with skin cancer during Virgin Radio show
Radio presenter Chris Evans has announced live on air that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Evans, 57, revealed on his Virgin Radio show on Monday morning (21 August) that his doctors broke the news to him just recently. However, he reassured listeners that the disease was discovered in its early stages and he is hopeful he will have a full recovery after he undergoes treatment next month. Evans said on his breakfast show: “We need to discuss what’s going on with this issue. It is a melanoma. “There’s this phrase called a malignant melanoma – you know once you get something and you find out all about it – that is a redundant phrase because if it is a melanoma, it is malignant.” He added: “But it’s been caught so early, just so you know, that it should be completely treatable.” According to The Sun, the broadcaster said his treatment is settee begin on 14 September. Evans, who is a running enthusiast, joked that he won’t be able to run for “a month afterwards”, adding: “So I’m going to do nothing but run until then. Is that OK?” He previously had a cancer scare in 2019 and revealed at the time he took a skin cancer test after finding unusual marks on his body before Christmas. That year, the radio presenter said: “I went and had a few marks on my body inspected by a skin expert before Christmas and she said. ‘You need to come and see me again, just because of your complexion’. The expert advised him to get checked once a year. Read More Barbie? Ken? Venezuela?: Why baby names won’t be boring for much longer Britney Spears posts heartbroken statement after Sam Asghari split: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Geri Halliwell says her ‘sillier self came out’ when she met husband Christian Horner
2023-08-21 15:51
How to create the mermaid eyes beauty look that’s trending on TikTok
How to create the mermaid eyes beauty look that’s trending on TikTok
Embraced by beauty influencers and celebs on the red carpet, the mermaid eyes look has been one of the biggest make-up trends of the summer on TikTok, and it’s still going strong as we head towards autumn. “Mermaid eyes aim to resemble a multi-dimensional, ethereal sparkle and the scales on a mermaid’s tail,” says Sarah Amelia Fogg, celebrity make-up artist and founder of Brows by Sarah. “Whether you’re one of the many fans of The Little Mermaid, or just love a glittery eye, the mermaid eyes look is perfect for adding a special touch to your make-up this autumn/winter and party season.” Whether you prefer a subtle champagne sheen, an aquatic shimmer or a rosy glow, it’s easy to tailor your mermaid glam colour palette. “Anyone can complete the look as it is so quick and easy, but it also creates such a powerful, bright pop for the eyes,” says Fogg. Here, she offers a step-by-step guide on how to create the mermaid eyes look at home… 1. Prep and prime Preparation is key to ensuring a long-lasting mermaid eyes look. “An effective primer all over the face including the eyelids will give the eye shadow something to stick to,” says Fogg. “I also always like to apply a thin layer of my concealer to the lids after the primer and before the eye shadow, to create an even colour that will help the glitter sit evenly.” 2. Base colour Next, choose which colour glitter you want to use to adorn your eyes. “The most common choice is the white/clear glitter look, but many prefer an added pop of colour like Hailey Bieber did with the pink tint, or Halle Bailey did with the blue,” says Fogg. “When you’ve chosen your colour, apply a base layer of matte eyeshadow of the same colour to your eyelid. This will add depth to the eye look and will help the colour to pop behind the glitter, which will create a more vivid, intense design.” 3. Shimmer shadow To create the mermaid tail effect, top your base colour with a pearlescent pressed powder or liquid eyeshadow. “If you’re aiming for a look like Hailey Bieber’s, then I would recommend a pressed glitter eye shadow, as this provides a more subtle layer of glitter that pops when it catches the light,” says Fogg. “If you’d prefer a more intense shimmer, then I would definitely recommend a liquid glitter as this will stay prominent on the eyes.” Or double up for maximum impact: “Some people even choose to have a layer of liquid glitter and then a layer of shadow on top to ensure that the glow stays put all day.” 4. Create a delicate flick “This step is optional, as I know that some people prefer to add an eyeliner flick while some don’t,” says Fogg. “If you’re choosing to create a flick, I would recommend sticking to a delicate, thin shape as you want to maintain the feminine, gentle aesthetic of the mermaid eyes trend. “Once this is complete, spray your eyes with a powerful setting spray to keep the glitter in place.” Finish with a single coat of mascara: “Apply a thin layer to the lashes to keep them delicate and lifted – you want to aim to open up the eyes without making the lashes the star of the show.” 5. Fluffy brows “Fluffy brows are perfect for this look as they are strong and defining but won’t take emphasis away from the star of the show – the mermaid eyes,” says Fogg. Instead of a pigmented powder or brow pencil, she recommends: “A strong clear brow gel such as Brows by Sarah Fluff It Up, £39, as this is what will hold the hairs in place and will help to keep your full brows last all day.” Lottie London Love Aura Palette, £5.95 Kiko Create Your Balance Gaze Defining Eyeshadow Palette 02 Boost Me, £24.99 Makeup by Mario Master Metals Palette, £55, Sephora
2023-08-21 15:45
Travel Will Represent a $15.5 Trillion Economy by 2033
Travel Will Represent a $15.5 Trillion Economy by 2033
The crowds of travelers filling airports in many parts of the world this summer are a telltale sign
2023-08-21 15:45
How do you choose the best sports bra for you? Experts explain what to look for
How do you choose the best sports bra for you? Experts explain what to look for
However big your boobs are, your sports bra could be holding you back from your fitness goals – if it’s uncomfortable, painful or doesn’t offer enough support. So, how can you find the perfect sports bra to help you feel and perform your best? “Finding the perfect sports bra is about enhancing performance and preventing common problems that athletes face,” says Juju Sheikh, founder of Cloud Nine Collective. “A well-designed sports bra can minimise bounce and provide the necessary support to keep you comfortable and focused on your game.” Consider size, support and impact Different-sized boobs will need varying degrees of support – but that’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a sport bra. Breast shape can also influence which bra is the best fit and style for you, as well as the impact level of the activities you’ll be doing. “Finding the right sports bra can be tricky and usually requires you to try a few different sizes and brands,” says Rebecca Carroll, a buyer for Runners Need. “The most important thing is ensuring that it fits you correctly, so that it offers enough comfort and support for your activity. “Sports bras offer three different levels of support: low, medium, and high impact. The type you need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you do,” Carroll adds. “For those who have bigger busts, look for a sports bra which has supportive seams and underwire, to help maximise support and comfort.” Look at design features Sports bras come with a range of different design features too, which tend to correlate to the level of support they offer. This includes the fabrics, the straps, the cups, as well as how they do up/fasten or whether they’re an over-the-head crop top style. “I recommend looking for features like adjustable straps, underwire support, and breathable fabric,” says Sheikh. “Adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit according to your unique body shape and size. This ensures that the bra stays in place and provides the best support throughout your workout.” The way a bra does up will generally change how supportive it is. “Front zips can be a good thing,” says Martina Jurcova, product line manager for women’s apparel and accessories at ASICS. “They are certainly easier to put on and open again after a strenuous exercise. That said, they must have extremely secure closures and are not recommended for sports or exercises where the wearer is lying face down on an exercise mat.“Race backs are great, as they allow the maximums freedom of movement of the scapula [shoulder blade] and at the same time can give great support to the wearer,” Jurcova adds. “Dual clasp bras have the advantage that the wearer can decide for themselves if they like the feeling of a race back or not.” Match your bra with the activity Remember, the same sports bra may not be suitable for every activity. Even if you have a large bust, there are certain activities where you won’t want the restriction of a very high-impact bra. “Low-medium impact sports bras are good for activities like walking, yoga and strength training. They typically feature a cup-less design and restrict movement by compressing the bust tightly against the chest wall,” says Carroll. “However, for activities like running, you’re going to want a high-impact sports bra. These are made with a defined cup structure to encapsulate and provide high levels of support. Some high-impact bras will use a combination of both encapsulation and compression methods to maximise support.” Protect from chafe and blisters When doing an intense activity, perhaps running long distances or doing high-intensity interval training, it’s not unheard of for women to experience chafing or even blisters around the chest area. “To prevent chafing, you can apply petroleum jelly or chafe balms in areas susceptible to friction. This creates a barrier between your skin and clothing to reduce friction,” Carroll says. “Wearing well-fitting clothing, like your sports bra, will also have a big impact. Look for moisture-wicking materials,” she adds. “Generally, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can help draw the sweat away from your skin.”
2023-08-21 14:54
What to stream this week: Adam Sandler, 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' Tim McGraw and 'Honor Among Thieves'
What to stream this week: Adam Sandler, 'Star Wars: Ahsoka,' Tim McGraw and 'Honor Among Thieves'
This week’s new entertainment releases include the “Mandalorian” spin-off “Star Wars: Ahsoka” starring Rosario Dawson, the well-received, fantasy movie “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” lands on Prime Video and Tim McGraw roars back with the album “Standing Room Only.”
2023-08-21 12:21
Thai Economy Expands 1.8% Last Quarter, Missing Estimates
Thai Economy Expands 1.8% Last Quarter, Missing Estimates
Thailand’s economy expanded at a slower pace than forecast, as a slump in exports and a political impasse
2023-08-21 10:56
Property Tycoon Bids to Emerge From Turmoil as Thailand’s Leader
Property Tycoon Bids to Emerge From Turmoil as Thailand’s Leader
Srettha Thavisin, a former property tycoon and a political newcomer, is set to take a shot at becoming
2023-08-21 06:21
Archeologists uncover new insight into the lives of slaves in Ancient Pompeii
Archeologists uncover new insight into the lives of slaves in Ancient Pompeii
Archaeologists have discovered a small bedroom in a Roman villa near Pompeii that was almost certainly used by slaves, throwing light on their lowly status in the ancient world, the culture ministry said Sunday.
2023-08-21 00:47
Kaia Gerber shares tongue-in-cheek response after model brother Presley calls sunscreen a ‘myth’
Kaia Gerber shares tongue-in-cheek response after model brother Presley calls sunscreen a ‘myth’
Kaia Gerber has issued some guidance for her elder brother Presley Gerber about taking care of his skin in the sun. Presley, 24, and Kaia, 21, are the children of model Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, a businessman. Both siblings followed in their mother’s footsteps and have successful modelling careers, often sharing their work and off-duty looks on social media. On Saturday (19 August), Presley shared photos of himself on a sandy beach while topless. The images show him with a bandana draped around his shoulders. In the caption to the Instagram post, Presley wrote: “Sunscreen’s a myth”. In fact, sun protection provides an essential barrier to harmful UVA and UVB rays. According to the American Cancer Society, UVB rays are responsible for the majority of cases of skin cancer. In disagreement with her brother’s statement, Kaia left a public comment on the post to give him some alternative guidance. “Hi Presley! It’s me, your sister!” she began her message. “Remember me from childhood? We share the same parents [wacky face emoji] I actually wanted to share with you that sunscreen is not a myth!! It is real!! I actually use it myself!!” Fans and followers have jumped in on their exchange, with many leaving laughing emojis at the humorous tone of Kaia’s message. “Absolutely! Sharing is caring @presleygerber!” one fan remarked. “Sis has got your back! You've raised them well @cindycrawford!” Another simply wrote: “Love your brain Kaia!!” Earlier this year, Kaia shared her thoughts on the “nepo baby” debate, which highlights the privilege enjoyed by those in the entertainment and creative industries who have famous parents. Speaking to Elle in January, the model and actor acknowledged the ways that nepotism had helped her career. “I won’t deny the privilege that I have,” she said. “Even if it’s just the fact that I have a really great source of information and someone to give me great advice, that alone I feel very fortunate for.” She also shared a comment that Crawford made about her daughter’s busy modelling career. “My mom always joked, ‘If I could call and book a Chanel campaign, it would be for me and not you,’” Gerber added. “But I also have met amazing people through my mom whom I now get to work with.” Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Geri Halliwell says she was ‘quite grumpy’ to Christian Horner in their early relationship Prince William criticised for including Charlotte in apology for missing Lionesses final James Blunt claims he changed his age on his Wikipedia page Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms
2023-08-20 23:57
James Blunt claims he changed his age on his Wikipedia page
James Blunt claims he changed his age on his Wikipedia page
James Blunt has claimed that he edited his Wikipedia page so it says he is younger than his real age. The pop singer, who is known for his tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, apparently tinkered with the online encyclopedia so it states he is two years younger than he actually is. “If you look at my Wikipedia page, it will say that I’m 47 – I’m actually 49,” Blunt told the Guardian. “That’s because I changed the entry.” At the time of writing, Blunt’s Wikipedia page stated that he is 49. In the same interview, Blunt looked back on the difficulties of balancing work and raising two children. He married Sofia Wellesley, the daughter of Lord and Lady John Henry Wellesley, in 2014. While speaking at the Oxford Union in 2016, Blunt confirmed that they’d welcomed a son, and have since had a second. In the interview with The Guardian, he spoke about how becoming a father had effected his priorities. “Being hands-on with my kids when I can is important,” he said, before going on to note times in his life when he wasn’t able to be as present. “I am away for long periods. With my second child, I left the day after the birth for nine months. Fatherhood changed my priorities. I was selfish. Now these little people are far more important than me.” Elsewhere in the interview, published on Saturday (19 August), the singer-songwriter spoke about his own experiences of having distance from his parents at a young age. Prior to attending Harrow School, a private school founded in the 16th century, Blunt attended Elstree School in Woolhampton, Berkshire. “I boarded at school from the age of seven,” he noted. “My parents dropped me off and walked away. On day three, I asked the matron, ‘When will I see Mum and Dad again?’ I was told Christmas. This was September. “I never really saw them again until I got famous.” Blunt was also close friends with the actor Carrie Fisher, whom he called his “American mother”. Fisher died in December 2016 of sleep apnoea but also had cocaine, morphine and ecstasy in her system at the time of her death. The singer called the Star Wars actor’s passing his “greatest sadness”, adding: “I was with her the day before she died. Knowing how it happened, I wish I’d been able to do something. Have an impact. “It’s taken me a long time to write a song about her. It’s on this album. It’s about what I wish I could’ve said to her when she was alive. What I wish I could say to her now.” James Blunt’s seventh studio album, Who We Used To Be, will be released on 27 October. Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Britney Spears shares first statement after ‘shock’ Sam Asghari divorce: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Man wins lottery after using same numbers every day for seven years Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms Influencer Caleb Coffee hospitalised after falling off cliff in Hawaii
2023-08-20 17:16
James Blunt says he left family for nine months after second son’s birth: ‘I was selfish’
James Blunt says he left family for nine months after second son’s birth: ‘I was selfish’
James Blunt has looked back on the difficulties of balancing work and raising two children. The “Goodbye My Lover” singer married Sofia Wellesley, the daughter of Lord and Lady John Henry Wellesley, in 2014. While speaking at the Oxford Union in 2016, Blunt confirmed that they’d welcomed a son, and have since had a second. In a new interview, Blunt, 49, spoke about how becoming a father had effected his priorities. “Being hands-on with my kids when I can is important,” he told The Guardian, before going on to note times in his life when he wasn’t able to be as present. “I am away for long periods. With my second child, I left the day after the birth for nine months. Fatherhood changed my priorities. I was selfish. Now these little people are far more important than me.” Elsewhere in the interview, published on Saturday (19 August), the singer-songwriter spoke about his own experiences of having distance from his parents at a young age. Prior to attending Harrow School, a private school founded in the 16th century, Blunt attended Elstree School in Woolhampton, Berkshire. “I boarded at school from the age of seven,” he noted. “My parents dropped me off and walked away. On day three, I asked the matron, ‘When will I see Mum and Dad again?’ I was told Christmas. This was September. “I never really saw them again until I got famous.” Blunt was also close friends with the actor Carrie Fisher, whom he called his “American mother”. Fisher died in December 2016 of sleep apnoea but also had cocaine, morphine and ecstasy in her system at the time of her death. The singer called the Star Wars actor’s passing his “greatest sadness”, adding: “I was with her the day before she died. Knowing how it happened, I wish I’d been able to do something. Have an impact. “It’s taken me a long time to write a song about her. It’s on this album. It’s about what I wish I could’ve said to her when she was alive. What I wish I could say to her now.” James Blunt’s seventh studio album, Who We Used To Be, will be released on 27 October. Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Britney Spears shares first statement after ‘shock’ Sam Asghari divorce: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Man wins lottery after using same numbers every day for seven years Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms Influencer Caleb Coffee hospitalised after falling off cliff in Hawaii
2023-08-20 16:50
Delicious Dubai: The best dishes to devour when you next visit the UAE
Delicious Dubai: The best dishes to devour when you next visit the UAE
My first visit to Dubai in 2016, while fantastic, left me thinking that perhaps the six-hour flight was a little excessive for a spot of sunshine (what with mainland Europe on our doorstep). But then, excess is sort of the whole point of Dubai. I’d always had my eye on the food scene; a country that affluent can afford to bring over big name chefs to open their new restaurants in the emirate, as well as franchising already popular eateries. But while we all know that Sushi Samba, Zuma and LPM have prime real estate in Dubai (and for good reason), I was keen to explore restaurants that my hometown of London didn’t already offer. Onto another six-hour flight I hopped with a plan to dine at spots I’d missed the first time around, but that have been quietly making their mark on the Dubai food scene. From a walking tour of some seriously tasty snacks in the famous souk to the restaurant that secured first place in the 50 Best Restaurants in the Middle East and North Africa list this year, I discovered a culinary world just off the beaten track of all the glitz and glamour. I’m not saying shy away from sushi with a panoramic view of the Palm – when in Rome, after all – but should you be keen to delve a little deeper into Dubai’s gastronomy scene, here are several spots that should definitely be on your foodie hit list. BOCA Located in Dubai’s DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre), BOCA was just awarded a green star in this year’s Michelin ceremony for its work towards sustainable dining. Serving dishes such as kingfish ceviche with sweet potato hummus, tomato and strawberry gazpacho and chicken with roasted spiced potatoes and padron peppers, it’s clear that taste, the environment and presentation are all key elements of a meal at this contemporary restaurant. Running on 100 per cent renewable energy, BOCA aims to have as little waste as possible and put locally sourced ingredients to good use – one dish comprises of aged beetroot and khansoor (a desert plant that is, in this case, grown onsite). A home-grown concept, this restaurant consistently shows how much the UAE has to offer, noting the Hajar mountains in the north as biologically rich habitats and acknowledging the organic and traditional farms that are situated in the central region. As well as every mouthful being a delight and the decor of the restaurant emulating its green fingers, the leadership team at BOCA is entirely made up of women, with executive chef Patricia Roig heading up the team in the kitchen. We could certainly use more restaurants with this kind of ethos here in the UK. BOCA, Gate Village 6, DIFC, Dubai Frying Pan Adventures’ Snack Tour When it comes to travelling, a tour from the locals is a great way to avoid tourist traps and discover the true nature of a place. Well, thanks to Frying Pan Adventures, you can do just that. Proving that Dubai’s food scene isn’t limited to fine dining and rooftop views, founding sisters Arva and Farida Ahmed have you sorted when it comes to embarking on a culinary discovery of Dubai. Hosting a number of different food tours across the emirate, we headed to the spice souk to discover the best street food the city has to offer. Awash with unassuming cafes and holes in the wall, hiding tandoor ovens of dreams, you’ll soon be feasting upon dishes such as paratha filled with omelette, cream cheese, chilli-flavoured crisps (known as chips Oman) – all slathered with hot sauce and washed down with a fragrant cup of chai. After watching the masters at work cooking bread, tear apart freshly-baked flatbread, filled with cream cheese and zaatar (a match made in heaven) and if you’re craving something sweet, there’s a trip to cool down with some Persian faloodeh – vermicelli noodles in granita with rose syrup and fresh lime juice. Frying Pan Adventures, Al Ras, Dubai Al Ustad Special Kebab One of the city’s most popular spots happens to be this delicious yet affordable Persian kebab restaurant. Al Ustad is known as a bit of a hidden gem, found just past the textile souk. Attracting both locals and tourists, you can spot the chefs grilling the various kebabs from the outside of the restaurant, leaving your mouth watering as you enter. This canteen-style eatery is full of character – with the walls adorned with countless photos of diners across its four decades of opening. Serving up koobideh (minced lamb), joojeh (saffron-marinated chicken) and barg (lamb fillet), the pièce de résistance at this restaurant is the kebab khas, with juicy chunks of grilled lamb or chicken marinated in yoghurt before being grilled. Al Ustad, Metro Station, Al Mussallah Rd, Al Hamriya, Dubai Orfali Bros Bistro Restaurant Never has a restaurant been easier to write about. Brothers (in case you couldn’t guess) Mohammad, Wassim and Omar, have curated this delectable menu which pays homage to their roots and experiences in food, travel, art and culture. The neighbourhood eatery that everyone wishes was closer to home, Orfali was just voted the best restaurant in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) 2023, acknowledging its unique dining experience where every dish tells its own story. The three immigrant chef brothers from Syria all work together, whether its across the menu, on the pastry dishes (for which stomach space should certainly be left) or overseeing the running of the restaurant itself. With Mohammed a veteran TV cook and restaurant chef in the Middle East and Wassim and Omar classic pâtissiers, your mouth should already be watering because everything is just so divine at Orfali. From a burnt leek and truffle pide of dreams, drizzled with brown miso butter and sprinkled with hazelnuts, stracciatella and chives to tuna salsa roja with fermented tomato, seaweed, aji recoto, garlic and onions, everything that came out of this kitchen was phenomenal. Proving the folks voting at MENA know their stuff, every bite was one of happiness, with other notable dishes including the pomelo salad with calamansi nam jim, wagyu gyoza with garlic yoghurt and sujuk oil and the Orfali bayildi: aubergine with makdous muhammara, tarator, walnut, verjuice and nasturtium. Even the bitesize corn bomb, with 36 month-aged parmesan, and the umami eclair (so aptly named), consisting of porcini emulsion, mushroom marmite, cacao nibs, fermented quince glaze and beef prosciutto, were enough to seal the meal as a special one – before the rest of the larger dishes were even ordered. If you dine at Orfali and your dinner disappoints you, I’ll fly to Dubai myself and finish your meal as no morsel deserves to go uneaten. Not only going down as one my favourite restaurants in Dubai, but I wish the terrific trio would open up shop in London. I’d definitely be a regular. Orfali Bros Bistro, D92, Jumeirah 1, Dubai Time Out Market Even discerning gourmet travellers have cravings. While certainly not short of a visitor or two (both tourists and locals), the Time Out Market located downtown is the perfect place to satisfy them. While Dubai is celebrated as a city that champions worldwide cuisine (potentially even more than it’s own, with emirati food taking inspiration from its neighbouring countries), there’s definitely a street food stall or two to explore inside. Boasting a glow-up to most markets we visit, there’s 17 food concepts to feast upon inside this grand food court. Obviously not all the dishes could be sampled – no matter how much my grumbling stomach and salivating mouth wished this was possible – but a strong recommendation of mine would be the soft shell crab bao, combined with the delicious (if a little odd in pairing) side of crispy brussels sprouts from BB Social, as well as however many scoops of liquid nitrogen-frozen ice cream from Scoopi your stomach can manage. Drama is the theme here – with gold leaf garnishes and activated charcoal just some of the theatrics this place has on show. Time Out Market, Level 3, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant Whenever I participate in a cooking class, that line from Hitch (which, in the grand scheme of the plot is not an all-important line to remember, but here we are) where Eva Mendes’s boss exclaims that it’s an interesting concept, cooking one’s own food in a restaurant, comes to mind. His wife firmly tells him to be quiet and after cooking my own impressive chicken machboos (okay, I had a lot of guidance), I quite agree. First things first, my stomach was nicely lined before I embarked on my task, as I ate (a healthy amount) of regag bread – trying all the toppings (it’s only fair). From a delicious cream cheese that bubbled as it cooked in front of us to chips Oman, egg and fish sauce (separately or all together), regag is a popular Emirati snack, with it being commonly made and eaten among local households and snack shops. Moving onto the main event: the machboos, we were in safe hands with Al Khayma’s chef guiding us through the process in its rooftop kitchen. Although bearing similarities to (and therefore thought to originate or take large inspiration from) kabsa – a Saudi Arabian chicken and rice dish – machboos is now widely considered to be the national dish of the UAE. However it is a dish that has long been cooked across various Arab cultures, with Kuawaitis back in the 1950s learning to cook with Indian spices when trading pearls with India. Made up of chicken, rice and spices including turmeric, cardamom, cloves, cinammon and star anise, plus a dried cooking lime. We then topped our aromatic masterpiece with golden, lightly fried raisins, crispy onions and fresh parsley – before promptly tucking into what was most certainly a treat. Al Khayma, Historical Neighbourhood, 79 Al Mussallah Rd, Al Fahidi, Dubai Avatara Another well-timed reservation was the one at Avatara. Having just obtained its first Michelin star in the 2023 ceremony, we dined at Dubai’s first and only all-vegetarian fine dining restaurant. The experience, with chef Rahul Rana at the helm, consists of a 16-course – yes, you read that correctly – tasting menu which, trust me, won’t have you missing meat. Start off with naivedhya (a holy offering) of makan malai, popping mishri and panchamrita. This sweet snack is the food offered to a deity as worship during prayer rituals. I won’t go through the entire 16 courses with you but everything from the cucumber granita and beetroot sorbet in buttermilk to the horse gram curry with ragi bhatura (a North Indian deep fried bread) and jakhiya aloo (pahadi spiced potatoes) were truly excellent. Guests are encouraged to keep their menus with them, as beside each dish is not only a short description but also the story behind each one or a notable fact about the ingredients used. While some may already know that tomatoes are a potent antioxidant and how rich they are in vitamins A, C and E, I personally would never have guessed that horse gram has proven effective as a natural kidney stone treatment. An educative meal, as well as a delicious one. Avatara, Second Floor, Voco Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai Enjoy exploring gastronomic capitals one bite at a time? Here’s why Emilia-Romagna is the culinary core of Italy Read More Mother tried to cure son of disease by putting him in a hole as a child Michel Roux Jr to close restaurant Le Gavroche to have ‘better work/life balance’ The best outdoor restaurants, terraces and rooftop bars in London to book now Michel Roux Jr to close restaurant Le Gavroche to have ‘better work/life balance’ The best outdoor restaurants, terraces and rooftop bars in London to book now What to know about eating raw oysters safely
2023-08-20 13:55
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