Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

When the noise and the humdrum of the world outside is far too much for you, take a breather and come to Gazebo. It is one place that's guaranteed to offer you a feeling of coming home. Do let me explain... We’ve just returned from my brother’s wedding in India. If you know anything about Indian weddings, you know how loud, long and loving they can get. There’s always ample food that you can’t refuse and lots of excess baggage that you inevitably bring home. We were happy that all went well and we were equally happy to return to the peace and quiet of Sharjah. Believe me there’s a lot of it here. My mornings are spent with a cup of chai watching the world go by.  Since it was the weekend, we decided to go across the road to our favourite venue, Gazebo. It has been around for close to two decades and the food and the service is always top notch. The group of restaurants has in fact opened five new outlets recently. Where it all began As with any good establis...

For most of us the holiday season can come with a lot of temptation. With just a few days to go to a big family wedding, I’m pretty sure I will be tempted to eat all the home made goodies. Fortunately help is at hand. The holidays can be a challenging time for weight-watchers, with tempting choices lurking around the corner that ultimately add up by the New Year. Jennifer Chalouhi, brand ambassador of Tima Love Life's, personal trainer and mother of three, shares some top healthy tips to help you fight unwanted weight gain during the holidays. Tima is the brainchild of Fatima Batook who started a fitness apparel line in Saudi Arabia, a few years ago. Her aim was to offer women a positive vibe when it comes to exercise. Here are some extremely do-able tips. Be sure to get plenty of rest and sleep. The number one culprit during the holidays is staying up late and not getting at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep. When your body is depleted and running low on energy, your mus...

Yes its the most wonderful time of the year. A time for family and celebration. For those longing for white winters, there's a special event just for you. The Dubai Winter Festival is back to light up Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, bringing the largest, most enjoyable weekend of festive fun to the city from 8-10 December. Now in its fifth year, the festival remains the UAE’s favourite festive celebration, with everything the city loves about Christmas in one place, including plenty of seasonal features for the whole family. Activities include Santa’s Grotto, shopping at the Winter Market, Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and special concerts. The West End show ‘The Rat Pack’ are set to perform their greatest hits with special evening magical entertainment to get everyone in the festive spirit during the opening night on 8 December. Visitors will get a chance to sing along to their favourite hits including ‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, ‘Mr Bojangles’, ‘New...

Most of us are a privileged lot. We may not want to acknowledge it but yes, our lives much better than we imagine. Nick Vujicic is someone who doesn’t mind using his own example to show you what you can achieve. Nick was born in Australia in 1982 without arms or legs. All through his childhood and adolescence Nick questioned why he was the way he was. Bullied and ridiculed he often struggled with depression and loneliness. With the help of a loving family and some true friends he decided to turn things around. Since his first speaking engagement at the age 19, Nick has travelled around the world, sharing his story with millions, sometimes in stadiums and conference halls speaking to a range of diverse groups of people. His story has always intrigued me. When he was born doctors never believed he would ever be able to walk and yet Nick has gone around the world. He even walks in his own style. This is someone who loves to swim, paint and has many books to his name. Hi...

Like many people who appreciate the sweeter things in life, chocolate is my weakness. In a battle between a pair of designer shoes or a bar of tempting milk chocolate, for me the latter would certainly win. If you are a bit like me, it is time to rejoice, because Divan Patisserie is heaven on earth for chocoholics like us. The Turkish café, recently launched their first Dubai store in Dubai Mall. Located on the lower ground level, the café offers a selection of bespoke Turkish delicacies, from a luscious array of ready-made hand crafted creations, to personalised exquisite blends of chocolates and macaroons. The hot chocolate has an ability to make you weak in the knee but don’t take my word for it. Try it for yourself. Served in just the right amount and not lumped in an over-sized mug, it soothes and somehow tempts you to kick off your heels before you get on with the rest of the day. The cutlery has elegant illustrations of the famous Hagia Sophia which seem to sway ...

With so many eateries springing up in this busy city, its often hard to select the ones which will stand the test of time. Since it opened in the UK in 2004, the Sahara Grill has achieved its fair share of success. Their first venture outside the UK is in the UAE. I was wowed by the venue’s large bay window that offers a stunning view of the Burj Al Arab Hotel and Jumeirah Beach Hotel -- the iconic landmarks of Dubai. The vast blue expanse is refreshing as is the cool air that is let in to the restaurant via the gigantic wooden-framed windows.  The rest of the restaurant is chic and simple but my mind is only on the food. Known for its fresh cuts, Sahara Grill only serves freshly imported meats. The meal is flavourful and grilled to the right degree, a plus for those of us who are avoiding fried foods. Tye Razzaq, CEO of Sahara Grill says, “Our aim is to serve high quality traditional dishes with our own signature that appeal to foodies and are affordable...

Most Indians growing up in the 80’s and 90’s are familiar with the distinct sound of Asha Bhosle. Her unique voice reaches high notes effortlessly and her songs remain popular to this day. The songstress shares another completely different passion and it has to do with food. Here is a woman who has belted out a tune for countless Indian films. Who has sung at packed concerts all over the world and is considered the world record holder for her contribution to Indian popular music. When did she find the time to cook, let alone perfect well known Indian dishes? For most Indian women, cooking is expected to be second nature. We may never want to step in to the kitchen but that’s often a choice they aren’t given. Perhaps this may have been the case with a young Ashaji (ji – is a term of respect Indians give to seniors). It wouldn’t be off the mark to imagine that she would have been expected to learn to cook before she was allowed to become a full-fledged recording artist. ...