Latest news with #SimoneCaporale
South China Morning Post
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Montana brings Cuban cocktail magic to Hong Kong's Hollywood Road
What happens when two of the world's most accomplished mixologists decide to build the bar they want to drink in? The result is Montana, a tribute to Cuban cocktail heritage on Hollywood Road, as well as a nod to the influence the Caribbean nation's bartenders had on nearby Florida in the 1970s and 80s. Montana takes its name from an obscure drink in the Club de Cantineros repertoire, the bartending guild that shaped Havana's hedonistic heyday. 'American cocktail history is very important, but what's unknown yet equally important is Cuban cocktail history,' says Simone Caporale , co-founder of Barcelona's Sips (World's Best Bar 2023) and co-owner of Boadas, the Spanish city's oldest cocktail bar, founded by a Cuba-trained bartender in the 1930s. Montana, on Hollywood Road, is a tribute to Cuba's cocktail heritage. Photo: Jocelyn Tam Lorenzo Antinori adds: 'All these wealthy or hedonistic Americans were flying to Cuba, and that's when the strength and the awareness of the Cuban school of classic cocktails really took hold and began to spread all over the world.' And the duo's combined areas of expertise are on full display in the new space. Antinori is best known for Bar Leone in Central, twice named Asia's Best Bar , and he designed the opening menu for Argo at the Four Seasons Hong Kong . Caporale's Sips is renowned for its boundary-breaking mixology. Both bartenders have an abiding love for classic cocktails, evinced by back-to-basics menus at Boadas and Bar Leone. Here's how their newest venture came together. How did you two meet? Lorenzo Antinori: In 2011, Simone was working at the Artesian (in London) and was already one of the top names in the industry. I was just a barback, so I would go there to admire his work. After our shifts we would bump into each other and have a few drinks. But the fun times eventually happened when I left London and we found ourselves at the same events around the world. One of those events was 50 Best Bars in Madrid last year, where we definitely had more than one tequila, and that's when we planted the seed for Montana.
Time Out Dubai
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
30 best Wednesday Ladies Night deals in Dubai 2025
Whether it's an overdue catch-up with a friend or a much-needed night out with the girls, there are lots of sip-tacular ladies' night deals on a Wednesday evening calling your name. We're talking free-flowing grape, generous dining deals, and seriously swanky venues all here to elevate your mid-week celebrations. You might also like: A full guide to Ladies Nights in Dubai From Bar Du Port to The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill, here are the best Wednesday ladies nights in Dubai with deals that are quite honestly, too good to miss. Best Wednesday ladies night deals in Dubai Agora Credit: Agora The deal: Dhs150 for free-flowing drinks and Dhs175 for free-flowing drinks and four bites. This cool bar at The Dubai EDITION exudes old-school glamour. Known for its mixed drinks, coming from famed mixologist Simone Caporale, you can expect a chic night Wednesday ladies' night. Dhs150 (ladies), Dhs275 (gents). Wed 8pm-midnight. The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai, (05 592 5823). Bar Du Port Credit: Bar Du Port The deal: Dhs230 for two dishes and two hours of free-flowing beverages. Head to this breezy marina-side bar with its views across to Palm Jumeirah for one of the city's most popular ladies' nights. Starter options include mini burgers, tuna tataki, burrata, kale salad and a lemon risotto. Dhs230 (two hours). Wed 7pm-1am. Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Marina (050 969 9820). Check our full Bar Du Port review here Belgian Café (Souk Madinat) Credit: Belgian Cafe The deal: Three free drinks and enjoy two-course set menu for Dhs99. Fill your face with oysters, or anything else you fancy at this Belgian bar, and you'll earn yourself three free drinks. Cool off in the wood-panelled interior if you're escaping the heat, or enjoy them on the terrace overlooking the water if the weather prevails. Prices vary. Wed and Sun, 6pm-11pm. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim (04 447 0227). CARO Credit: CARO steakhouses The deal: Three complimentary drinks and 50 percent off on main courses from al la carte menu for the ladies. The house grape and specially crafted mixed drinks are part of the offering. You can get the deal every Wednesday from 5pm. Every Wed. 7pm-11pm. CARO Steakhouse, Fairmont Sheikh Zayed. (058 118 3800) Charm Thai Credit: Charm Thai The deal: Two complimentary drinks for women when ordering food. This Thai restaurant located on the ground floor of Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina is hosting Ladies Night every Monday and Wednesday between 7pm and 10pm. Mon and Wed 7pm-10pm. Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina (04 378 0139). Check out our full Charm Thai review here City Social Credit: City Social The deal: Three beverages for Dhs99 and 50 percent off on a selected menu Ladies' night with a view? Gather your girlfriends and head to City Social on Wednesday and enjoy three beverages for Dhs99 and 50 percent off on the restaurant's à la carte menu. Dhs99. Wed from 6pm. Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai Marina (04 402 2222). Esco-bar Cóctel Y Cocina Credit: Esco-bar The Deal: Dhs145 for free-flowing selected beverages, and a set menu. This fiery Latin-American venue could be the place for you and your girlfriends on Wednesday nights. Tex-Mex flavours join forces with incredible views of Dubai. Dhs145. Wed 8pm-11pm. Radisson Beach Resort, Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah West Beach (056 444 7575). Flashback Speakeasy Bar & Lounge Credit: Supplied The deal: Dhs129 for house package and Dhs145 bubbly. Gather the gals for an unforgettable night out at one of Dubai's favourite hidden bars, Flashback Speakeasy, with live music, drinks and food. Dhs129 (ladies), Dhs199 (gents). Wed 7pm-11pm. Paramount Hotel Dubai, Business Bay, restaurants@ (055 180 7559). FireLake Grill House Restaurant & Bar The deal: Two hours of unlimited drinks on selected mixed drinks and house grape for Dhs99 (or up it to three hours for Dhs169). Every Wednesday, gals can enjoy plenty of exclusive offers, live entertainment and unforgettable atmosphere between 7pm to 11pm, all while enjoying glorious views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal. As well as free drinks, there's also buy one get one free offers on mains and 20% off small plates and pizza. Dhs99 and Dhs199 (ladies and gents). Thu 7pm-10pm. FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront (056 404 4169). HYP Dubai (Credit: Supplied) The deal: Dhs99 for two hours of unlimited drinks and one appetiser (Every. Single. Day.). Head over to this rooftop bar in the heart of central Dubai for brilliant value every day of the week, almost any time of day. Bosh? Bosh. Dhs99. Mon-Fri, noon-9pm, Sat-Sun, noon-7pm (any two hours). Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (054 400 3949). Ikigai Resto + Bar (Credit: Ikigai) The deal:Dhs199 for unlimited grape and sushi. Misaki Ladies Night is every Wednesday and ladies can enjoy unlimited sushi for Dhs199 with free grape, plus live entertainment from a DJ, drummer and dancers. Guys can join in too, with the same deal running for Dhs249, including house beverages and sushi. Dhs199 (ladies), Dh249 (gents). Wed, 8pm-11pm. Millennium Place Marina Hotel, Dubai Marina (04 550 8114). Indi 16 Credit: Indi The deal: For Dhs49 enjoy three house beverages and sharing platter. This Wednesday ladies night at this exciting new venue's stylish ambiance is definitely worth an evening in the diary, whether you want to relax or celebrate. Dhs49. Wed 7-11pm. Indi 16, Business Bay (050 461 7994) Loca Credit: Loca The deal: Enjoy free unlimited Mexican beverages, appetisers and a main for Dhs145. Happening every Wednesday, order free drinks until 11pm, while you enjoy live music, watch the big screen or sit down to enjoy Loca's Mexican City-inspired dishes. Dhs145. Wed 6pm-11pm. Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa (04 346 1111) Long's Bar (Credit: Long's) The deal: Two hours of free unlimited drinks for the ladies. Looking for a brilliant ladies' night deal in Dubai? Head down to this longstanding bar with the girl gang every Wednesday from 8pm to 10pm and enjoy a live band and unlimited drinks. Wed 8pm-10pm. Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 312 2202). Luna Dubai The deal: Dhs150 for unlimited grape and sparkling, plus a selection of sushi. Rooftop bar Luna is still somehow one of DIFC's best-kept secrets. Small and atmospherically lit, head here to wind down after a meeting in the neighbourhood, and prepare to find yourself not wanting to leave. Dhs150. Wed 7pm-10pm. Four Seasons DIFC, (04 506 0300). Malibu Deck Pool Bar & Lounge The deal: Dhs99 for three drinks and 20 percent off food, plus pool access. Wednesdays just got a lot more fun. As the sun sets, let loose with your girlfriends and enjoy free pool access and an all-day happy hour or enjoy three drinks with 20 percent off on food at Dhs99 per person. Dhs99. Wed noon-7pm. Paramount Hotel Dubai, Business Bay (04 246 6641). McGettigan's JLT Credit: McGettigan's JLT The deal: Dhs75 for a food voucher and three free drinks. Ladies can get three drinks every Wednesday night alongside a Dhs75 voucher to redeem on food. It is a superb deal if you are watching your wallet. Dhs75. Wed 6pm-10pm. McGettigan's JLT, (04 356 0470). McGettigan's Souk Madinat Credit: Supplied The deal: Dhs129 for three free drinks and a Dhs129 food voucher. McGettigan's Souk Madinat's Wednesday night deal includes Dhs129 for three free drinks and one food item from the menu from 6pm to 10pm. Whether you're catching up with friends or looking to make some new ones, this Souk Madinat spot offers the perfect setting for a fun and memorable night. Dhs129. Wed 6pm-10pm. Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 447 0219). Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen Credit: Supplied The deal: Two-for-one drinks and 50 percent off a special food menu. Between 6pm and 10pm on Wednesdays at Mezzanine Bar & Kitchen ladies will get 50 percent off a special food menu and two-for-one on drinks. Wed 6pm-10pm. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh (058 599 4659). OAnjo Credit: OAnjo The deal: A three-course tapas-style menu, three free drinks and live performances for Dhs145. Every Wednesday, this Portugese-Nikkei restaurant at Sheraton Hotel Mall of the Emirates is treating ladies to three house drinks for Dhs90 and 50 percent off on food while enjoying live entertainment. Dhs90. Wed 5pm-midnight. Sheraton Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, @oanjo (04 3772 356). Okku Credit: Okku The deal: For Dhs175, three hours of free-flowing drinks served with edamame and three small plates. Ladies can also get unlimited grape from the bar. This Japanese restaurant at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai has a new ladies' night deal to enjoy every Wednesday. You'll get free-flowing drinks and three small plates for Dhs175. There's live entertainment, too. Dhs250. Wed 7pm-9pm. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai, (04 666 1566). Paros The deal: Three drinks and Antipasti for Dhs99 or a single drink for Dhs35. Rooftop bar Paros, located on the 48th floor at Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, is the place to be if you and the girl gang want to hit up the town on a Wednesday evening. Tue Dhs149 (ladies), Dhs199 (gents), Wed Dhs150 (ladies), Dhs235 (gents). Tue 8pm-11pm, Wed 7pm-11pm. Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers, (04 574 1111). Salero Credit: Salero The deal: Unlimited drinks and nibbles for Dhs150. Head down to the tapas bar for a Wednesday night fiesta, where ladies can enjoy free-flowing house drinks, a selection of Spanish nibbles and 30 percent off the food menu for Dhs150. Offering some traditional favourites and live music all evening, you'll be practising your flamenco in no time. Dhs150 per person Wed 8pm-11pm. Salero, Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, (04 409 5888). SoBe Credit: SoBe The deal: Three hours of unlimited drinks for Dhs120, and 50 percent off food (or Dhs250 for gents). The Escandalosa Night at this funky rooftop at the Palm is happening every Wednesday between 7pm and midnight. Enjoy three hours of unlimited drinks and 50 percent off a bites menu featuring Latin American dishes. Dhs120 (ladies), Dhs250 (gents). Wed 8pm-11pm. W Dubai – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah (04 245 5577). The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill The deal: Free grape-based beverages (bar area only). This New England-inspired seafood restaurant serves ladies unlimited red, white and rose every Wednesday night from 8pm to midnight, but only to those in the bar area (whether seated or standing). Free. Wed 8pm-midnight. DoubleTree by Hilton Jumeirah Beach, JBR (04 457 6719). The Mansion Credit: Mansion The deal: Complimentary drinks for the ladies until 1am. Head down to 'Bad & Bougie' on Wednesdays, where ladies receive free drinks at the bar from 10pm to 1am while DJ plays R&B beats to get you grooving. Free (ladies), Dhs200 (gents, three drinks). Wed 10pm-1am. FIVE Jumeirah Village Hotel, JVC (058 900 9837). Ting Irie The deal: Ladies get a 2-course meal plus unlimited drinks for Dhs145 for the regular drinks or Dhs190 for free-flowing bubbly. Men can get involved with a 3-course meal and three hours of unlimited drinks for Dhs325. Dhs145 (2 courses), Dhs190 (3 courses). Wed 8pm-midnight. MBR Residence Souk Al Manzil , Downtown, (045 575 601). Tipsy Tikka (Credit: Tipsy Tikka) The deal: Four complimentary drinks for Dhs59. From 8 pm to midnight, ladies can enjoy four expertly mixed drinks for just Dhs59, making midweek feel like a celebration. Expect plenty of good vibes and a fun dance floor, too. Dhs59. Weds, 8pm-midnight. Tipsy Tikka Gastropub, Four Points by Sheraton, Bur Dubai. (050 211 6816). Trattoria by Cinque (Credit: Trattoria by Cinque) The deal: Dhs175 for set menu, plus three drinks Both ladies and gents can enjoy the offer at Trattoria by Cinque, the trendy Italian spot at Five's Jumeirah Village Circle Tower. Ladies get three courses and three free drinks for Dhs175, while guys pay Dhs250. Dhs175 (ladies). Dhs250 (gents). Wed 6.30pm-10.30pm. Five Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Village Circle, @cinquetrattoriadubai (04 248 9999). Check out our full Trattoria by Cinque review here Virgin Izakaya Credit: Virgin Izakaya The deal: Dhs150 for unlimited drinks and bold bites. JOSHI-KAI ladies' night at Virgin Izakaya is priced at Dhs150 per person and ladies can enjoy five tokens to use on a selection of any five items from a specially curated food and beverage menu, including delicious bites such as spicy edamame, salmon sashimi, green salad, salmon open roll, onion rotti, avocado hand roll and more, as well as a range of signature mixed drinks and house grape. Dhs15-0. Wed 7pm onwards. Bluewaters Island (04 589 8689). Vault Bar Credit: Vault Bar The deal: Unlimited selected beverages for two hours Enter through the gold Vault doors and unlock the lofty views from this cool space. This ladies' night with a view gives you unlimited selected beverages for two hours. Wed 8pm-10pm. JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay (04 414 3000). More in Dubai 10 absolutely free ladies' nights to snap up A wallet-friendly night out? Yes please 21 of the best ladies' beach club deals in Dubai Where to head for discounts and free drinks 9 ladies' nights with gorgeous outdoor spaces Save on sips while admiring the view at these venues
Time Out Dubai
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best bar food in Dubai 2025: 10 highly-rated venues to try next
What could be better than a bite to eat while you're sipping on a delicious drink? Luckily enough, there are plenty of amazing venues that serve the best bar food in Dubai. Check out the full list of Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025 winners here But there has to be a winner – and, here at Time Out, we've been hard at work selecting the very best spot to enjoy bar food in Dubai. Not just that, we've picked the top 10 venues in the whole city – and you can find them below. Time Out Dubai reviews anonymously and pays for all its meals. For more on the review process click here. These are the best Bar Food spots in Dubai, as recognised by the Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards 2025. The best bar food in Dubai 2025 WINNER Paradiso Funky interiors including life-sized carousel horses and carnival lights, a spacious rooftop with sweeping views of the Palm and Bluewaters and world-class DJs made Paradiso an instant hit with Dubai's coolest bar crowd. Add to the mix some seriously flamboyant drinks and fun, flavour-packed bar bites and it's easy to see why this place is so popular. Order a selection of modern tapas, with the crunchy octopus cracker, truffle brioche, wagyu beef meatballs and paella croquettes all very well presented and extremely moreish. Licensed. FIVE Luxe JBR, The Walk, JBR @paradisodubai (04 275 9999). Check out our full Paradiso review here Highly commended AGORA Cocktail Bar (Credit: Instagram @agora_dxb) It may be famed for its exclusive juniper selections and mixology by Simone Caporale, but AGORA is also a bar with a pretty extensive and well thought-out nibbling menu. There's a variety of carpaccios and salads but a good selection of more substantial options too, including pizzetta tartufo, burrata ravioli, braised beef short ribs and Josper tiger prawns. If you prefer picky bits with your drinks, the croquettes with manchego and chorizo are a very good shout. All this in a chic, elegant spot decked out in rich green velvet that hosts live music and DJs playing house beats. Licensed. The Dubai EDITION, Downtown Dubai, (058 592 5823). Check out our full AGORA Cocktail Bar review here Honeycomb Hi-Fi Credit: Honeycomb Hi-Fi Honeycomb Hi-Fi is not only the number one place for a brilliant night out, but it also serves some of the best bar food in Dubai. One of the coolest spots in town, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a hit with music-lovers. With a music listening station, a vinyl record store and roster of top DJs, it's a popular spot for a hip evening with your friends, with creative mixed drinks, too. When it comes to food, it's an izakaya-style idea so try plates such as chicken karaage, lamb gyoza, garlic prawn udon and stuffed wings. Pullman Dubai Downtown, Business Bay, (04 412 6666). Check out our full Honeycomb Hi-Fi review here Shortlisted 7 Tales Credit: 7 Tales This cool speakeasy bar comes from renowned British chef Jason Atherton, so it follows that the food here is top-notch. Once you've found your way to this hidden bar, tucked above City Social, take in the views of the Marina, sip on creative mixed drinks and enjoy the cool vibes and music. On the petite menu there are cool snacks like chicken karaage or crispy togarashi squid, or more high-end nibbles like black truffle arancini and lobster buns. Grosvenor House, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai Marina, (04 402 2222). Check out our full 7 Tales review here Above Eleven Credit: Above Eleven This trendy bar sits on the rooftop at Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, a prime position for stunning views of Dubai Marina and Ain Dubai. The bar serves creative Peruvian drinks, which are sipped while taking in the vista and toe-tapping to beats from the DJ. Meanwhile the food menu is Nikkei-themed, so expect tartares, ceviche, bao, tiraditos, anticuchos, sushi, robatayaki and traditional Peruvian plates. Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, (04 666 1420). Check out our full Above Eleven review here Attiko Credit: Attiko A previous winner of Time Out Dubai's Best Rooftop Bar, Attiko is an on-trend spot to head for drinks and bar bites. With views out to sea and across to Palm Jumeirah, Ain Dubai and beyond, cool beats, live entertainment and premium sips, it's a brilliant place to take visitors to. Plus, it serves up some of the best bar food in Dubai – think delicious Asian bites including sushi, gyoza and more to enjoy while taking in the views. W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Al Sufouh, (04 350 9983). Check out our full Attiko review here High Society by Jean Imbert (Credit: High Society) Located on the rooftop of The Lana – Dorchester Collection and home to a gorgeous infinity pool encircling a sunken bar, High Society is quite possibly Dubai's most-photographed new drinks destination. Pairing well with the creative mixed drinks is an incredibly tempting menu from chef Jean Imbert, including a light and zingy tuna tartare, eggplant miso, Atlantic crab leg, steamed lamb buns and fish goujonnettes. There's also a selection of pizzas, from the classic Burrata di Puglia to the Koji marinated chicken. It's worth noting that pool access is for hotel guests only and there is a minimum spend on all reservations, starting at Dhs200 per person. Licensed. The Lana – Dorchester Collection, Marasi Drive, Business Bay, (04 541 7777). Check out our full High Society by Jean Imbert review here Iris Dubai Credit: Iris Dubai Nestled just in front of Meydan Racecourse Grandstand, Iris has super views of Dubai's skyline – with the glittering Burj Khalifa front-and-centre. A Beirut-born nightspot, the menu is a mix of sushi, grills, flatbreads, tacos and more, with plenty to nibble on when you get hungry. The outdoor venue is a top option in winter, with a large al fresco space and some of the coolest loos in town. Meydan Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, (04 334 3355). Check out our full Iris Dubai review here Ongaku Credit: Ongaku This trendy, not-so-secret hidden bar at DIFC's Clap is a trendy, fun place for a drinks and some of Dubai's best bar food. As the dishes come from Clap, which is a former Time Out Dubai restaurant award-winner, as you'd expect they're well-crafted Japanese plates with sushi, raw items, skewers and more on the menu to nibble on while you soak up the cool atmosphere and stunning cityscape views. Ongaku is big on music too, so it's a lively night out. Gate Village, DIFC, (04 569 3820). Check out our full Ongaku review here Salmon Guru Credit: Salmon Guru Born in Madrid, Salmon Guru is a quirky, fun-loving bar that has more than a hint of the eccentric. Alongside neon signage, creative drinks in unusual vessels and banging beats, there's also some of the best bar food in Dubai. With funky fusion plates such as carpaccio, bao tacos, croquettes and fried oysters, it's a menu as eclectic as the décor and drinks. Coming from world-famous mixologist Diego Cabrera, Salmon Guru is also Time Out Dubai's Best Mixed Drinks Bar 2023, so order a beverage alongside your snacks. The Opus by Omniyat, Business Bay, @salmongurudubai (052 814 9537). Check out our full Salmon Guru review here Other award-winning spots in Dubai Hands down the 10 best steakhouses in Dubai Places that are really worth your money 10 best family restaurants in Dubai to suit everyone Everyone will be happy, trust us The 10 best casual dining restaurants in Dubai to book now Dinner for two is under Dhs500
South China Morning Post
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong hosting World's 50 Best Bars is proof its drinks scene is on the up
It's an exciting time to be in Hong Kong for enthusiastic imbibers like myself. A few weeks ago, it was announced that the World's 50 Best Bars awards will be hosted in the city for the first time, on October 8. Advertisement Having previously hosted two editions of Asia's 50 Best Bars, in 2023 and 2024 (both at Rosewood Hong Kong), the city has been upgraded to welcome the world's finest bartenders, following in the footsteps of London, Barcelona, Singapore and Madrid. Not bad for a place that, post-pandemic, had struggled to convince wary tourists that we had some serious 'night vibes' going on. The image is helped by Hong Kong's own Bar Leone in Sheung Wan being crowned Asia's Best Bar in 2024, and runner-up in the world edition of the awards a few months later. It only seems fair to bring the party back to this side of the world. Bar Leone was awarded the best bar in Asia at the Asia's 50 Best Bars awards. Photo: World's 50 Best Bars And this year, when the world's most discerning drinkers descend upon Hong Kong, they'll have a new spot to flock to. Advertisement Timed perfectly for their arrival is a new project by Bar Leone's Lorenzo Antinori, who has teamed up with Simone Caporale of Barcelona's Sips, which was crowned World's Best Bar in 2023 and is currently ranked third.
