Tag: food

Sunlight, Spritzes, and Riviera Spirit

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L’Estate Chic Brunch at Chic Nonna – where Mediterranean glamour meets timeless Italian cuisine

Natasha Dury

In a city that thrives on elevated experiences, Chic Nonna has firmly secured its place as one of Dubai’s most refined dining destinations. Located in the heart of DIFC, this Italian gem combines classical culinary heritage with contemporary sophistication. And now, with the launch of L’Estate Chic, Chic Nonna delivers not just a meal, but a summer reverie worthy of the Riviera. As a foodie, I ventured there recently with a group of friends and can firmly say we had an memorable dining experience.

As soon as we stepped into the grand, yet warmly elegant interiors of Chic Nonna, we were greeted by an ambience that felt both exclusive and welcoming. The soaring ceilings, soft golden tones, and rich textures set the stage for a gastronomic experience that is as thoughtfully designed as the space itself. This is not your average brunch—it is a curated Italian journey brought to life by the precision and passion of Executive Chef Francesco Torcasio.

Chef Francesco, whose culinary story began in Calabria and has since spanned iconic kitchens across Italy, London, and Dubai, brings an unmistakable authenticity to every dish. As the creative force behind Chic Nonna’s kitchen, his style is rooted in Italian tradition but elevated through modern techniques and luxurious presentation.

At L’Estate Chic, this philosophy is in full bloom. The brunch menu unfolds like a love letter to Italian summer dining. Think delicately seasoned seafood dishes, handmade pasta that melts on the palate, and indulgent yet balanced main courses designed to be shared and savoured.

The atmosphere is a visual and sensory delight. Inspired by the Italian Riviera, the summer brunch offers a sun-kissed experience inside and out. Crisp white linens, cheerful parasols, and a Mediterranean playlist turn this DIFC venue into a seaside escape with refreshing signature drinks.

We felt the live music struck just the right balance between lively and luxurious, allowing conversation and indulgence to flow in harmony. Every detail, from the attentive service to the carefully paired drinks, reinforces Chic Nonna’s reputation for delivering excellence with ease.

Our verdict after three hours of pure indulgence made us realise we experienced so much more than just a brunch – L’Estate Chic gave us a chance to pause, indulge, and transport ourselves to the Italian coast without leaving Dubai. It was an afternoon of culinary storytelling, where every bite told a tale of heritage, every sip captured the joy of summer, and every moment felt like a celebration of la dolce vita.

Forsan Central Mall Welcomes Nine International brands by Apparel Group

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Leading names in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are now open at Khalifa City’s premier destination

Forsan Central Mall, a key retail and lifestyle destination in Khalifa City, has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of nine prominent brands from the Apparel Group. This development underscores the mall’s commitment to providing diverse and high-quality shopping experiences to its community.​

The newly opened outlets include ALDO, Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC), CROCS, LEVIS, SKECHERS, STEVE MADDEN, ACO, RITUALS, and COLD STONE Creamery. These additions offer shoppers a wide range of options, from contemporary fashion and footwear to premium beauty products and delightful treats.​

“Our collaboration with Apparel Group continues to bring esteemed international brands closer to our patrons,” said Mr. Biju George, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Region at Line Investments & Property SP-LLC. “These new openings enhance the mall’s appeal and provide our visitors with an enriched shopping experience.”​

Mr. Binas Basheer, General Manager of Forsan Central Mall, added, “We aim to create a destination that seamlessly combines convenience with quality. The introduction of these brands aligns with our vision to cater to the evolving preferences of our community.”​

Complementing this retail expansion, Line Investments & Property SP-LLC introduces the LAKA Gift Card, now available at Forsan Central Mall. Accepted at over 4,000 stores across 19 malls in the UAE, the card offers flexible denominations and the option to include personalized video messages via QR code. It’s free of charge and can be obtained from customer service desks at participating malls, making it an ideal gifting solution for various occasions.​

With these strategic additions, Forsan Central Mall reinforces its position as a comprehensive lifestyle hub, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options tailored to the needs of Khalifa City’s residents.

Sakhalin Dubai: A Fusion of Culinary Excellence by Chef Vladimir Mukhin

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Natasha Dury

Nestled in the bustling heart of J1, Dubai’s dynamic dining scene, Sakhalin emerges as a testament to Chef Vladimir Mukhin’s renowned culinary prowess. Celebrated for his innovative approach and distinguished by prestigious accolades including a ranking in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Sakhalin is a concept that marries the rich flavors of Mediterranean, Asian, and Russian cuisines.

Nestled by the sea, Sakhalin Dubai offers more than just a meal; it provides an experience while offering diners a stunning array of dishes where each bite is a discovery. The restaurant’s ambiance is perfectly poised for evening sunsets, making it an ideal spot for a drink before indulging in a sumptuous dinner.

During my visit, I particularly liked the tranquil yet sophisticated ambiance. Positioned directly on the beach, diners can enjoy a venue that is designed to enhance the natural beauty surrounding it. The venue is celebrated not only for its location but for its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients, showcased vividly in their live seafood tanks.

I went to Sakhalin Dubai in Ramadan, and the offerings were impeccable, aligning well with the season’s spirit while providing a gastronomic delight. The highlight of Sakhalin’s menu is undoubtedly its fresh seafood. The transparency with which they display their crabs and other marine delights in tanks for guests to view before selection speaks volumes about their commitment to freshness and quality.

From the vibrant starters to the sumptuous desserts, each dish is crafted from the finest ingredients. Sakhalin also enriches its dining experience with options for beachfront relaxation. Visitors can book a sunbed and spend the day soaking up the sun and sea, making it more than just a meal, but a day-long retreat.

This venue is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary journey that celebrates the diversity and richness of its influences, making every visit a unique exploration of flavors from around the world while offering diners the best of the sun, sea and sand option that Dubai is known for.

Sumo Sushi & Bento Revolutionizes Dining with a Tailored Experience this February

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Sumo Sushi & Bento is thrilled to announce an array of exciting promotions for February 2025, designed to enhance the dining experience for patrons across all locations. From innovative ordering solutions to special limited-time offers and the much-awaited seasonal menu, there is something for everyone this season.

Diners can embrace the convenience of technology with the Sumo Sushi & Bento mobile app. Dubbed ‘Appsolutely Yours,’ the app offers a seamless ordering process along with personalized offers and loyalty perks such as Kenji Coins, which diners can earn with every purchase. This program is designed to make every visit rewarding, transforming regular meals into special dining experiences with exclusive rewards and tailored offers.

Sumo Sushi & Bento also invites patrons to indulge in the Ultimate Wagyu Experience, exclusively available through the Sumo Sushi & Bento Mobile App. Featuring premium A5 Wagyu beef, the menu includes delicacies like A5 Wagyu Steak Roll, A5 Wagyu Donburi, A5 Wagyu Nigiri, and A5 Wagyu Gyoza, all designed to offer a melt-in-your-mouth experience that showcases the rich Flavours of this esteemed beef.

The Ultimate Wagyu Experience joins a lineup of February’s special offers which include generous app and website discounts. Enjoy the Happy Hour on weekdays with a flat 30% off on the mobile app from 11 am to 5 pm on all items except platters, an offer designed to enhance midday meals. 

For website users, new customers receive a flat 30% off their first three orders, while all customers can enjoy up to 50% off, capped at AED 30, on orders meeting a minimum spend. 

For regular patrons, Sumo Mobile App is a simple and convenient way to earn loyalty points. Collect Kenji Coins for every order and redeem them for FREE food and drinks (1 AED= 1 Kenji Coin). You can redeem the rewards without any minimum spend. Enjoy!

The special offers are available from 11am to 11pm at all Sumo Sushi & Bento outlets. For Booking, visit https://sumosushibento.com, download the Sumo Sushi App or call 800-7866(SUMO)