A Jazzy Culinary Affair

Abu Dhabi is hitting all the right notes with the launch of JazzArabia the Middle East’s first jazz radio station at p&c by Sergi Arola, creating a unique ambience at the hotel as the new restaurant complements food and beverage offerings with distinct sounds that gets guests in the mood before their arrival with the sounds of the night and then following them home.

Top radio talent broadcast live from a custom-built studio inside this Spanish tapas restaurant by acclaimed two-starred Michelin chef, Sergi Arola. Through broadcasting a blend of mainstream, Arabic and Latin jazz music, JazzArabia can be streamed live or via the JazzArabia app, which is available for download from the app store on all smart devices.

As a Fijian I love dining with live easy music and welcome JazzArabia.com bringing a new element to the overall dining experience that perfectly complements the sharing concept at the restaurant.

The quirky infusions served at p&c by Sergi Arola certainly goes well with the casual, easy listening blend of music. With the growing social dining concept in the Emirate, trying new experiences with food and music is always welcome for food connoisseurs.

JazzArabia will also air the works of jazz legends, such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, and the more contemporary Michael Bublé and Diana Krall, meaning there is something for everyone. Leslie Nachmann, a world gold medal winner at the New York International Radio Awards, will be chief presenter. She currently presents on JazzRadio Berlin and on regional and national TV in Germany.

Artists featured on JazzArabia include all-time greats Frank Sinatra, alongside such contemporary jazz stars as Michael Bublé, Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. Crossover artists will include Amy Winehouse and Sade.

Latin greats will include Gilberto Gil, Brazil’s former culture minister, Tito Puente, Astrud Gilberto and Chick Corea. Arabic jazz will feature such artists as Ahmed Abdul-Malik, Anouar Brahem and Rabih Abou-Khalil. Rather than having separate programmes for each genre, JazzArabia will mix the different music styles.

p&c by Sergi Arola is a signature restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. A first in the Middle East for the Michelin-starred Chef Sergi Arola, the standalone restaurant brings an eclectic experience, pitting cutting-edge modernity against a traditional backdrop of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Shereen Shabnam

Looking for Eid Capes?

Capes Shereen Shabnam

It’s that time of the year when we go crazy looking for the perfect Eid clothes….traditionally we have to wear something new on Eid day – we can now take our style quotient a few notches higher with Studio 8’s latest cape collection by the label Kukoon.

Launched by designer Sneha Mehta, this contemporary collection is lightweight and hand-crafted and offers a luxury colour palette. Using 3D embroidery techniques and finest details, with each design retaining its individuality, the collection adds a lot of glamour to your look.

Shereen Shabnam capes

This Eid, Studio 8 is offering the most exquisite collections, especially hand-picked for the UAE fashionistas. So check out the latest in store at Studio 8 in Dubai Mall or at the Beach Road boutique.

Kukoon-Shereen Shabnam

Check out Sole Mates Dual Sided Foot File

 

 

shereen dubai
I have not tried this yet but have received updates on the Sole Mates Dual Sided Foot File, which features two specialized tools for expert pedicure maintenance: a professional quality, safe-to-the-touch stainless steel micro-file and an equally high quality finishing file.

The stainless steel micro-file quickly, easily and very gently removes calluses and rough dead skin, while the finishing file buffs the skin to soft, touchable smoothness….if anyone tries this out, do leave comments if this works.

As first of its kind, the dual sided foot file boasts an ingenious magnetic design that holds both parts together. It’s uniquely shaped built-in case is contoured for excellent ergonomic function, comfort and control, as well as convenient, compact storage. Both parts fit together effortlessly to keep the tools clean and protected and always accessible for pedi pampering at home or on-the-go.

The pink Sole Mates Dual Sided Foot File are available in Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, AREEJ, Tavola, Salam Studios, Boots Pharmacy and Zwilling J.A. Henckels Stores across the GCC for AED 115.

Original gifts for Eid at Cities

Cities Shereen Shabnam

There is loads of fun stuff happening near my home with City Walk, Galleria, Al Wasl Vita and Box Park buzzing at night. During my walks I enjoy browsing through the Cities Boutique at Galleria Mall – its has an ideal selection of one-of-a-kind gifting ideas that will be cherished by your loved ones which is just perfect for the upcoming Eid.

Visitors to the shop can choose from endless innovative and eclectic pieces for all ages and tastes. Cities is best known for its dynamic approach to home décor. Each and every piece, unique and eye-catching, was hand-picked from Cities around the world, by boutique owner Hazem Aljesr.

Appealing to the diverse residents of the UAE, the collection includes works by a variety of local and international talent, providing an exceptional collection of art, lifestyle and design pieces under one roof.

Cities offers beautiful and original gifts for everyone, from handcrafted traditional backgammon set made in Lebanon by Nada Debs, to sophisticated chic Abaya’s designed by Orient 499 and DINA JSR. From high-end porcelain tea set handmade by Serge Nicole in France, to stunning, traditional Arabesque lanterns handmade by Lifestyle in Holland. The extensive selection even includes lush pet beds designed by Lord Lou for your furry friends.

With so many treasures to choose from, check the Cities outlet out for your gifting destination this Eid season….i know exactly what I will be getting for little diva this Eid.

NEW EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF FOR TRADERS HOTEL, QARYAT AL BERI

Traders Hotel Shereen Shabnam

Food lovers in Abu Dhabi can now head to Traders Hotel to experience culinary delights by Ricky Rimenda Agustiana, the new Executive Sous Chef who brings more than seventeen years of varied culinary experience to the capital from across the globe.
Prior to the appointment he was at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, at the award-winning Pearls and Caviar. With previous Shangri-La experience Ricky knows the standard that has to be upheld throughout the company and outlets.
Ricky comes to Abu Dhabi with five years of experience from Dubai, UAE, where he worked in a luxury 5-star resort and excelled in his role. Before relocating to the Middle East, Ricky worked in Asia and the USA where he gained invaluable culinary experience. Ricky started his career in Singapore and Indonesia, before relocating to New York. Following two years in the Big Apple, Ricky was promoted to Chef de Partie in the sister company in Florida. Let me know what you thought of his culinary creations.

Ocean Spray Craisin Recipes for Ramadan

As the editor of 3 Menus of the Master coffee table cookbooks, I love getting recipes and would one day like a career that keeps me longer in the kitchen. This Ramadan, check out some awesome recipes from Ocean Spray – delectable!

Shereen Shabnam Craisin Muffins

Cranberry muffin

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 1 tbs Baking Powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Cup Milk
  • 1 Egg (large)
  • 4 tbs Butter
  • 1 Cup Cranberries

Method

  • Keep the butter at room temperature to soften
  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Mix butter and sugar
  • Slowly add eggs until all items are properly bonded
  • Add all dry ingredients
  • Add cranberries
  • In muffin tray decide mixture into 1/4 cup batches
  • Bake for 15 minutes

Cranberry and Oatmeal Cookie

Ingredient

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Flour
  • 1 cup Butter
  • 2 cups Instant Oats
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda

Method

  • Keep the butter out at room temperature to soften it.
  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Sift the flour and baking soda.
  • Combine all ingredients together in large bowl and mix with hands.
  • Roll small balls with dough and place on baking tray with baking paper.
  • Press down the balls and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Shereen Shabnam Goats Cheese and Craisins Chutney

Goat Cheese and Cranberry Chutney

Ingredient

  • 4 Apples
  • 5 Cups Cranberries
  • 1 Red Onion
  • 1/2 Cup Dates
  • 1 Cup Orange Juice
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
  • 1/3 Cup White Vinegar
  • Baguette Bread
  • Goat Cheese

Method

  • Chop onion, apples and dates.
  • Sauté onion, apples, dates and cranberries with butter in a deep pot.
  • Add sugar, spices, vinegar and orange juice to pot.
  • Bring to boil then reduce flame and let simmer until chutney consistency
  • Cut baguette bread into thin slices and sprinkle with olive oil.
  • Bake in the oven until dry.
  • Cut goat cheese into rounds.
  • Put goat cheese on cracker and broil in oven.
  • Garnish with chutney.

Cranberry and Eggs “En Cocotte”

Ingredient

  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 tbs Cream
  • 2 Slices of Beef Bacon
  • 1 tbs of Cranberries
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Chop the bacon and cranberries.
  • In a pan cook bacon and cranberries together.
  • Strain bacon and cranberries and let it cool.
  • Whisk eggs, cream and seasoning.
  • Mix all ingredients together and put in an individual oven pan.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes.

Shereen Shabnam Salmon with Craisin Salsa

Roasted Salmon with Cranberry Salsa

Ingredient

  • 1 Cup Cranberries
  • 1 tbs lime juice
  • 1/4 bunch of coriander
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 3 tbs olive oil
  • 1 Salmon filet

Method

  • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Chop onion, cranberries and coriander.
  • Mix with olive oil and lemon juice.
  • Season salmon and seal on the pan.
  • Finish cooking salmon in the oven.
  • Garnish salmon with cranberry salsa.

Cranberry and Almond Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

  • 1 tbs Olive Oil
  • 3/4 Onion
  • 1/2 Cup Cranberries
  • 1 1/2 Cups Basmati Rice
  • 3 Cups Chicken Broth
  • 1/4 Cup Slivered Almonds
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Method

  • In large pot sauté onions with olive oil until they become translucent.
  • Add cranberries and rice and stir until rice is covered in oil.
  • Add chicken broth and seasoning.
  • Bring to boil and cover.
  • Reduce heat to simmer and keep until rice is cooked (about 22 minutes).
  • Stir in almonds.
  • Garnish with cranberries.

 

 

New summer offers by Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah

Shereen Shabnam Kempinski-Palm-JumeirahIts hot and I just feel like staying in a luxurious room all day fasting, reading and chilling while fasting – so I started looking at local hotel offers not that my work schedule will allow even a day off but loved the pictures from Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah – They just unveiled new offers for the summer for guests from the UAE and other countries including lower prices on suites and villas and free breakfast.
The offers, which are valid until September 2015 , also involve large discounts on services at the SPA and other facilities as well as internet, children’s club and free transport to and from Emirates Mall.
The hotel is ready to receive families and other guests from the UAE and the remaining GCC countries to enjoy summer and spend quiet holidays in a luxurious atmosphere, according to the hotel’s general manager Mr Alessandro Redaeli.

Alessandro Redaelli (2)Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, the fourth royal-style building on Jumeirah Palm, comprises 244 suites and pent houses, has an advanced SPA, a large number of restaurants and bars, other facilities, as well as a clean 500-metre beach strip. If I do decide on a staycation in the next 2 weeks, this place is definitely an option.

Kempinski Palm Shereen Shabnam

Banana Republic’s Summer Monogram Collection

Shereen Shabnam Banana Republic

This June Banana Republic will debut the Summer Monogram collection featuring limited-edition summer dresses and tailored separates perfect for special occasions this season… pictures look great with an opportunity to own some classic pieces.

The collection was inspired by bespoke designs created for recent special event appearances, including Ashley Madekwe’s custom look designed by Banana Republic and worn to the British Fashion Awards.

The 11-piece capsule includes stylish separates and dresses created with premium fabrics and attention to both detail and fit. The collection ranges in price from AED 450 to AED 750 and will be available starting June.

Spice it up with ice this summer at Icons Coffee Couture

Icons Ice cream Shereen ShabnamJPGThe Innovative Ice -cream salad dressing!

It’s really hot at the moment so getting news on  ICONS Coffee Couture, a German coffee franchise and healthy coffee joint, unveiling their new range of ‘Sweet & Salty’ ice creams is a welcome thought.

Designed as a unique ice cream range, the collection includes not only ice cream smoothies and frappes, but also three salty ice cream dressings to make every salad deliciously sumptuous. Ice-cream enthusiast and innovator, Vasco Valenca De Sousa is the mind behind the Sweet & Salty range of Icons ice cream dreams which are only naturally sweetened with dates or agave to embrace healthy eating and face the summer heat with their cool ice creams.

I reckon I have had very brand of ice-cream the last few days –  At Icons, the sweet ice cream compliments well the upcoming Ramadan season, with dates coupled with classic flavors, chocolate and vanilla. The salty ice creams, a never-before heard of concept, includes herby pesto flavor, dense potato and fresh carrot variants.

What’s more –the salty range of savory ice creams are made to be used as healthy and delicious salad dressings! Once scooped and put over a dry salad, these ice creams melt right in, giving the salads a rich, creamy and refreshing taste.

Enjoy!