Latest news with #MovieEats
The National
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
From screen to plate: Creative Dubai cinema experience allows you to eat what you see across five-course menu
How many times have you watched a film and wondered what the food in a particular scene might taste like? At Teatro restaurant in Rotana Towers Dubai, Movie Eats transforms that passing thought into a cinematic dining experience. This is not just dinner and a movie; it is a curated event where each course is inspired by what appears on screen, timed to match key moments in the film. The set up When I visited, the feature was Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, a woman on a journey of self (and culinary) discovery across Italy, India and Bali. Much like the film's story, the menu moved through Italian and Indian flavours, bringing the narrative to life through taste. Setting the scene for the five-course dinner-and-show experience, a menu, cutlery and napkins are laid out before guests arrive. In keeping with a traditional cinema experience, we are initially served popcorn. On a roll My experience began with a mixed berry mojito, a light and refreshing drink reminiscent of the relaxed aperitivo scenes from the film's Italian chapter. The first course was cheese ravioli, a rich and creamy dish notable for its full flavour. The second course arrived as a larger platter combining artichoke and melon, with clam tagliatelle and Napoli pizza. Although they connected well with what we were seeing on screen, I felt the mix of dishes did not complement each other particularly well. The tagliatelle was nicely prepared, but I am not a huge fan of clams; and the pizza would have definitely benefitted from more sauce and toppings. Moving away from Italian food, we were served turkey breast slices with vegetables and gravy, presented during the film's Thanksgiving montage. The meat was tender and juicy, and felt as warm and comforting as the scene we watched. As the film moves to India and Elizabeth's journey of self-discovery begins, we were presented with an Indian dipping platter featuring sambar, daal and chutney, served with saffron basmati rice and puri. The dishes were bold and fragrant, but the spices were strong to the point of overwhelming for my palate. To finish, we were served chocolate cupcakes, which linked perfectly with the final leg of Eat Pray Love, as the characters are eating a similar dessert towards the end of the film. Behind the scenes Movie Eats launched in Dubai in November 2023. Since then, it has hosted a series of events and built a growing community of film and food lovers. Founder and chief executive Sarah Fay says the idea is rooted in her love for storytelling and sensory immersion. 'We choose films where food plays a central or memorable role in the storyline,' she tells The National. 'Our team then designs a menu that brings those dishes to life, blending storytelling with flavour to create a fully immersive dining experience.' So far, the team has featured titles such as Ratatouille, The Menu and Shrek, each matched with multicourse menus that correspond to specific scenes. Hot ticket The next screening is scheduled for October 2025, with tickets expected to be released in September. Tickets start at Dh389 for adults and Dh199 for children under 12. Screenings typically accommodate between 30 and 50 guests, which keeps the atmosphere intimate while still feeling communal. Guests are encouraged to book early as screenings tend to sell out. The Movie Eats team are currently considering expanding around the UAE. 'We're exploring opportunities to take Movie Eats to the other emirates and even internationally,' Fay says. 'We're also working on new theme nights, collaborations and possibly children's editions in the near future.' A cut above Movie Eats is a fun concept where food becomes part of the film unfolding on screen. While some dishes are more memorable than others, the attention to detail in the set up and service adds to the experience. Courses are timed and served smoothly, allowing you to stay immersed without distraction. It makes for a creative and memorable night out.
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Valentine's Day: Cool date night ideas in the UAE
Not to put too fine a point on it, but date nights need to be epic – especially in February (Feb 14th to be exact). But as we race towards Valentine's Day if you find your calendar unhealthily empty and you are looking to fill it up with cool ideas for you and your significant other, you've come to the right place. From movie magic to breaking stuff together (#couplegoals), here's a look at some interesting ideas to mull over: See it on the screen, eat it in real life Take your dinner and a show idea up a notch. Movie Eats, the immersive film-watching experience, is playing Julia Roberts' Eat Pray Love on February 13 at Teatro Dubai, Rotana Towers. Checking into this experience will keep keeping a close eye on what the pretty woman is eating, because mid-movie, you will be served the same thing (or something super close to it if it's meat and you choose the veg option). The doors open at 6.45pm and the movie will begin at 7.15pm on date night. Other upcoming movies include Lady and the Tramp (Feb 23) and Madagascar (March 6). Now, this is what we call a meal plan for the movies. Dh389 (per adult). Feb 13, 7.15pm onwards. Tragic, but thrilling Arguably one of the greatest love (albeit tragic) stories ever told, William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is getting a new telling on Feb 14. Adapted by Lydia DeSouza, inspired by the music of Queen, and performed live by a five-piece band, this story of star-crossed lovers will run at Theatre by QE2. The show, directed by Alex Broun, has thrilling sword fights, riveting guitar solos, and lots and lots of love. From Dh120. Feb 14, 7.30pm onwards. A smorgasbord of treats If food is your love language, you're well-prepped for this show. Head over with your 'best friend' to Taste of Dubai for an eat-tastic time. The best part? You can make this a day-long date full of food (from16 of the city's best restaurants) and activities such as workshops, cooking classes, and live music to serenade you when night settles in. Your choices will include eateries such as Demon Duck Dubai and Duck and Waffle. Come with comfy shoes (there's plenty of walking) and slightly loose outfits (you'll need the room to breathe once you start eating). From Dh75, Feb 14-16, noon-midnight. Break stuff Get all the anger out Forget the flowers, instead bring a bat to this date. The Smash Room is offering a Love At First Smash package, which gets you and your partner in a room with lots of objects, from old computers to guitars, just waiting to be broken to bits. After this cathartic experience, you can dig into some complimentary chocolates before you carry on with your evening. Dump the frustration, say yes to fun moments. Dh349 (per couple); The Smash Room Al Quoz Dubai, Sports Society Mirdif and Abu Dhabi The getaway This is less a date night and more a weekend of dates that we are looking at. Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub are welcoming visitors between Feb 10 and 18 with a heartstring-strumming escapade. Besides glamping (that's glamourous camping, guys) with mountain views, you can tack on a Dh444 package for a special set-up and cake for two. If you've been looking for the perfect moment to pop the big ol' question, this is your chance to make it truly special. Elevate the romantic glamping atmosphere with a choice between a chef-prepared barbecue dinner served directly to the living area, or choose a DIY barbecue kit to man your own grill. As for what these staycation spots look like, there are secluded lodges amid the mountains; the Caravans; Domes, or glamping tents with panoramic views and individual private pools; or the all-new Vintage Campers, featuring covered porches, barbecue stations, and fire pits. Stay the night and you'll also get access to 18 exhilarating activities by Hatta Outdoor in the Wadi Hub such as archery, net walking, ziplining, plunging, rope courses, and spear throwing. This is camping with a difference. For reservations, call +971 4 820 5500 or e-mail hotelreservations@ Ride into the sunset Try a canter For your own movie-like happy ending, jump into the saddle and go horseback riding on golden sand dunes this year at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort. You'll be led by an experienced handler on a trusted steed as you explore the desert and learn about its denizens with your partner. Among the creatures you'll come across are Arabian oryx and gazelles. Dh400 (50-60 mins, daily) Relax with a massage Say yes to the press There's nothing quite like relaxing together. Unknot and decompress when you and your partner head over to The Spa at Address Sky View this month. The experience begins with a revitalising 60-minute couple's treatment, featuring meditative breathing exercises, body exfoliation, and massage. Then, wend your way to The Spa's balcony for some sweet and savoury nibbles, delicious views of the Burj Khalifa and deep connections. Dh2,000 (per couple for a 60-minute Valentine's Couple Cocoon Treatment and Afternoon Tea including a full body massage, light meditation, breathing exercises, and couple's jacuzzi). Until Feb 28, 10am-10pm. Email or call +97148738888 for reservations. .
