Kira at Marsa Al Arab has mastered the balance of lively yet relaxing
The warm welcome, pearlescent walls, and comfortable seating instantly excited me — I felt like I sat in a Lana Del Rey song. That initial happiness grew tenfold when I ordered my first drink: a Parmesan Sour. Whilst my role in writing this article is to put my experience into words, I genuinely find it tough to describe this beverage. It was creamy, sour, light — a playful balance of true decadence and tableside theatre, making for the perfect girlie tipple.
The chef sent over some nibbles for us to enjoy, one of which was a cucumber salad. A seemingly boring start — but it was anything but. The chunks of baby cucumber were dressed in a chilli oil vinaigrette that was delicious, but what truly elevated the dish was the texture. Each perfectly plated sliver was topped with an array of crunchy garnishes: fried garlic chips, black and white sesame, and crunchy green onions, among others.
Another highlight was the bread. Again, sounds simple, right? But this was no ordinary loaf. The French baguettes are baked in-house by an expert pastry chef, whose talents could rival some of my favourite bakers in Paris.
Our full starters were equally exciting, my favourite being the delicate, melt-in-the-mouth beef tartare served with tiny fried buns — the perfect mini mouthful. Again, very girl dinner coded. Coinciding with our starters, a beautiful woman emerged in a floor-length white dress and began to sing. Usually, entertainment at a long lunch isn't my thing, but this elevated the experience seamlessly, with her performing fan favourites from Dua Lipa to Fleetwood Mac.
For the mains, we shared a whole lobster in yuzu butter. It was fresh yet decadent, served alongside charred corn dressed in desiccated coconut and black sesame. It was fabulous — as lobster always is — but if I were to go back (which I definitely will), I'd opt to try more of the delicious, playfully composed small plates. They were utter perfection.
Overall, I can't urge people to visit this restaurant enough. It's mastered the balance of lively yet relaxing — with modern dishes and an experimental approach to mixology, paired with welcome entertainment, and a vibe that seems to stop time entirely.
Hero dish: The perfectly balanced, deliciously textural cucumber salad — 9/10
Senses: All five senses were perfectly engaged while seamlessly being put at ease — 8/10
Service: The service was great, a little slow at the start but once in the swing of things, flawless! — 7/10
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
41 minutes ago
- UAE Moments
Abdu Rozik Detained at DXB Following Theft Allegations
Popular social media personality and singer Abdu Rozik was reportedly arrested at Dubai International Airport early Saturday morning. The 21-year-old influencer, known for his viral charm and TV stints, was taken into custody at around 5am shortly after arriving from Montenegro. While authorities have not released an official statement, a representative from Rozik's management said, 'All we can say is that we are aware he has been taken into custody on allegations of theft.' Further details about the complaint or the nature of the alleged incident remain under wraps. Rozik, who stands at just over three feet tall due to a growth hormone deficiency, has become one of the most recognizable celebrities in the region. Holding a UAE Golden Visa, he has lived in Dubai for several years and is widely known for his appearances on Bigg Boss 16, his music career, and a variety of viral social media content. In 2024, Rozik made headlines with his boxing debut at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena, and later launched his restaurant chain Habibi in the UK. That same year, he was also questioned by India's Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering probe involving a hospitality firm. However, officials confirmed he was not listed as an accused in that investigation.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Look: Dubai-based designer Rami Al Ali first Syrian invited to Paris Haute Couture Week
Syrian couturier Rami Al Ali made history Thursday as the first fashion designer from his country to feature in the official Paris Haute Couture Week calendar in a new landmark for Arab representation in the luxury business. After years of showing his tailored evening dresses on the sidelines of Couture Week, he was invited this year by France's Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode to join the programme. He sent out models in long pleated dresses in pastel colours, making elaborate use of silk, rolled crepe fabric, embroidery and beading in a collection that reflected his optimism about the future of his war-ravaged country. "We called the collection the 'Guardian of Light', and it came at a time that is very hopeful, very promising," the 53-year-old told AFP beforehand. The fall of former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in December led to the rise of rebel-turned-transitional leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, which has brought a fragile end to nearly 14 years of civil war. Al Ali, who grew up in the eastern Syrian city of Deir ez-Zor before moving to Dubai, where he founded his brand more than 20 years ago, was holding back tears as he spoke to reporters afterwards. He told AFP he had been feeling "nervous, excited, tired, happy" about his breakthrough moment, which follows years of dressing A-listers and royalty including Beyonce and Oscar winner Helen Mirren. 'Bolder, braver' After decades of Syria being a byword for violence and political oppression, Al Ali hopes that artists will now help highlight the country's rich history and design culture. "I think now we have much more freedom in expressing ourselves in all different aspects, political, humanitarian, creative. We have a lot to say, and definitely we are bolder, braver in the way we express it," he said. Haute Couture Week is separate from the ready-to-wear Paris Fashion Week and is dedicated to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations made for red carpet events, galas, and other high-profile social occasions. The programme this week included two designers from Lebanon — Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad — as well as Cameroon's Imane Ayissi, the sole sub-Saharan African label included in the calendar. Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi's brand Ashi Studio was also in the programme. Ayissi, who joined the Couture calendar in 2020 at the same time as much-hyped Indian designer Rahul Mishra, paid tribute to the increasing diversity on the Paris fashion circuit. "It shows that things are changing, that things are moving forward," former model Ayissi told AFP this week after his show, which made elaborate use of traditional African textiles.
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
From Rolling Stones to The Who and Scorpions: 11 of the longest-running rock bands still touring the world
With rock music retreating from the cultural zeitgeist, the mere act of enduring is a statement in itself. On that score, there are still plenty of bands out there raising the flag for the genre and maintaining their connection with a devoted fanbase. The UAE will experience this when German rockers Scorpions return to Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena in October as part of a tour celebrating their 60th anniversary. While many groups have continued with new members or revised formations, a handful continue to hit the road with core members still intact. On the back of Black Sabbath's final show last week, here are 11 bands – presented chronologically by their formation dates – that endure, loud and proud, to this day. 1. The Rolling Stones (1962) While the Rolling Stones started out as a band to jam out their favourite American blues records, core members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards continue to tour the world, and each go-around has become bigger and better Throughout their 60 years, they've held the record for highest-grossing tour multiple times. They still remain relevant with latest album, 2023's Hackney Diamonds, receiving critical acclaim. Charlie Watts, the longtime drummer, died in 2021, but his absence hasn't slowed the band's drive. 2. The Who (1964) The band is entering its twilight, with remaining members, singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist Pete Townshend, reportedly stating their latest tour could be their last. Over the years, The Who has defined and redefined rock and roll with a vast catalogue of classic albums, including Tommy (1969) and Quadrophenia (1973), both of which brought theatricality and pop to rock without sacrificing any of the attitude. Original drummer Keith Moon died in 1978, and bassist John Entwistle passed away in 2002, but it is the creative chemistry and tension between Daltrey and Townshend that keeps The Who an ongoing concern. 3. Scorpions (1965) The German hard rock band is celebrating its 60th anniversary with a world tour that stops at Abu Dhabi's Etihad Arena in October. Ironically, despite their hard-edged sound, the group remains internationally known for perhaps their most tender song, Wind of Change. While albums like 2022's Rock Believer have become increasingly fans-only affairs, the Scorpions' reputation comes from their ambitious live shows. They continue to sell out dates around the world, including their last appearance at Etihad Arena in 2024. 4. Chicago (1967) Despite frontman Peter Cetera eventually leaving the group in 1985 towards a successful solo career, Chicago – who originally formed under the name The Big Thing – remains beloved. Robert Lamm (keyboards and vocals) and Lee Loughnane (trumpet) continue as key members of the band. While their shows are essentially greatest hits sets, featuring favourites Hard to Say I'm Sorry and You're the Inspiration, they still manage to pack in halls across North America. That may be because Chicago was never really defined by a single player or vocalist. Their appeal comes from the overall band sound, a catchy blend of jazz and pop built on bright brass sections and winning harmonies that keep the band in good stead. 5. ZZ Top (1969) ZZ Top are the quiet heroes of rock. Ever since forming, they've been absolute road-hounds. Billy Gibbons (guitar and vocals) and Frank Beard (drums) continue to perform. Bassist Dusty Hill died in 2021 but, rather than calling it quits, ZZ Top kept it in-house by enlisting Hill's longtime bass tech, Elwood Francis, into the trio. Across more than 20 albums, the band remained faithful to their groovy blend of Texas blues rock, proving if something ain't broke, why fix it? 6. Aerosmith (1970) Aerosmith is currently performing on what they've announced as their farewell tour, in part due to concerns over singer Steven Tyler's voice. However, he seems to be holding up, judging by his strong performance at the Black Sabbath tribute show in London this month. The band's rhythm section remains largely in lockstep, with Joe Perry and Brad Whitford on guitars and Tom Hamilton on bass. The gaps between albums may be long, but the group still has an amazingly loyal fan base. Throughout their career, they've been adept at releasing majestic hard rock ballads such as I Don't Want to Miss a Thing alongside ferocious rockers, notably Back in the Saddle. 7. Iron Maiden (1975) Another band that shows no signs of fading away, Iron Maiden is still defined by Bruce Dickinson's towering vocals and Steve Harris's trademark galloping bass riffs. For the most part, Iron Maiden performed uninterruptedly in stadiums and arenas for the best part of four decades. Their shows are still known for their theatricality, and Dickinson continues to pilot the band's jet when they go on tour. 8. U2 (1976) All four founding members – singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, bassist Adam Clayton and drummer Larry Mullen Jr – have remained active in both recording and touring. The group continues to release albums and innovative tours, including a much publicised Las Vegas residency to launch The Sphere in 2023. Bono recently confirmed a new album is in the works, which will be followed by a world tour. 9. Depeche Mode (1980) The British band seems to get bigger and better with each decade. Depeche Mode now operates as a duo, with singer Dave Gahan and songwriter Martin Gore continuing to lead the project. After bandmate Andrew Fletcher's death in 2022, they turned tragedy into triumph with 2023's album Memento Mori, which was widely viewed as one of the band's best releases in what is becoming a very important and influential catalogue. The group continues to tour arenas and stadiums, and each album sees them try something new – whether it's moody ambience and synth pop or finale riffs and industrial rock. Depeche Mode remains an example of how to age and still stay relevant. 10. Metallica (1981) It's hard to conceive that Metallica have been touring and recording for over 45 years, such is their vitality, momentum and impact. The band still feels as fresh as ever. This stems from how tight-knit the group is. Guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich remain the band's founding members, while guitarist Kirk Hammett has been there since 1983. Bassist Robert Trujillo – who some fans still view as the new guy – has now been with the group for over 20 years. Their latest album, 72 Seasons (2023), was well received, and the band is expected to bring their blockbuster live show to the UAE during Abu Dhabi's Formula 1 weekend in December. 11. Red Hot Chili Peppers (1983) It's easy to forget that Red Hot Chili Peppers have been kicking around for 42 years. Maybe it's the youthful energy or just their openness to continually expand their oeuvre with new sounds and styles. The band, now made up of Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass) and Chad Smith (drums), reunited with guitarist John Frusciante in 2019 and have since released albums largely servicing their fan base. But it is on tour where the Peppers are now best appreciated, with dynamic hits ranging from high-octane funk anthems such as Give It Away to the more reflective balladry of Californication and Under the Bridge. It is this range that continues to maintain the band's pedigree.
