SimplyAbuDhabi I

21 S IMPLY ABU DHABI A&J DIARIES c o smopo l i tan p e op l e Abu Dhabi’s an ‘ice’ place to be: Ok, so at first glance A&J admittedly had reservations about how the launch of a new ice skating theatre production could hold itself as a headline event for a couple who usually spend their evenings casually swishing their way between the ultra chic Yacht Club and the Y Bar. However, with mystifying illusions and unique ice skating artistry to make even A&J put down their mocktails and get tweeting - ‘Fantasy On Ice’ sure earned its weight in gold stars. The world premiere, which featured as part of The Summer In Abu Dhabi Festival, kicked off on 4 July at the Abu Dhabi Hall and tut tut you if you didn’t grab a ticket! With ice skaters from across the globe performing routines and moves A&J didn’t think possible - the performance was a total show-stopper! And yes, to some degree this did require A&J to leave our ‘thespian heads’ at the door but we secretly relished the excuse to sit back and enjoy the performance like awe struck children. A&J catch up with old pal Marc: Whilst enjoying our freshly prepared Sashimi in the warm and cosy yet ultra contemporary Sho Cho - one of Abu Dhabi’s finest Japanese lounge restaurants - we spotted our old pal Marc Jacobs. Our guess is that he’d booked himself in for Emirates Palace’s lavish one million dollar vacation package. Of course, for this great designer, only pure opulence will do. Going Gaga for Garmoosha!: A&J got themselves down to the launch of Garmoosha - the must- have new fashion label from sparky duo, Mariam Al Mazroui and Alia Bin Drai. With splashes of vibrant, clashing colours mixed with daring tribal prints - the genius pair’s creations will be adorning the bodies of every Emiraty fashionista this autumn/winter. Fantasy on ice Courtesy of Garmoosha Michelin Star Cantonese at Emirate’s Palace It’s a smash hit: When an invite to the launch of Hakkasn, Emirates Palace’s new Michelin-starred Cantonese sensation, landed in our inbox , A&J knew we were on to something good. And boy, did the restaurant- come-nightclub serve up the goods! Joined by 250 of the UAE’s social elite, the atmosphere and champagne bubbled away blissfully as guests were treated to an array of speciality dishes, including Peking duck with Royal Beluga caviar, steamed dim sum platters and grilled Wagyu beef with king soya sauce. With a hand-crafted pond complete with stepping stones and soothing incense filling the air, A&J soaked up the invigorating atmosphere as we were transported into oriental paradise. Dates for your diary: January 20th 2011: mingle with the worlds greatest golfers at the new-look, european tour-backed abu dhabi hsbc golf championship. www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com February 11th 2011: Eric Clapton, the English guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and founder of crossroadswill be rocking away at the yas arena on yas island. The legendary guitarist has a following of millions and this will be a perfect way to spend your evening or even a premature valentines night. February 2nd 2011: Gourmet Abu Dhabi 2011: back for the third year from 2 to 16 february 2011, mark your calendars as gourmet abu dhabi returns for yet another gastronomic experience ! www.gourmetabudhabi.ae February 2nd to 5th 2011: Bride Abu Dhabi 2011 hosted at the adnec. Bridal and fashion exhibition filled with the latest trends in bridal gowns, haute couture, wedding organisers, jewellery, photography, honeymoon destinations, flower designs, wedding cakes and much more... February 2nd to 5th 2011: Al Ain Aerobatic Show. Stand by for an aerobatic extravaganza in the sky that combines awesome displays of military and civil aircraft, dizzying stunt flying and knuckle-gnawing, high-soaring, wing-tip-to-tip competitions. www.alainaerobaticshow.com