Spring feasts
1. The Farm, Al Barari. There's definitely a buzz in the air over this new eco-friendly restaurant. Nestled in the royal enclave at Nad Al Sheba, you can sit and drink in the lush, natural surroundings while enjoying locally grown and organic dishes. The menu is suitable for all diets with vegetarian, vegan and raw food choices as well as plenty of meat and fish selections to appease all carnivores.
The Farm, Al Barari, Nad Al Sheba, 04 392 5660
2. Sayad restaurant, Emirates Palace. Think lamb, fresh peas and the green fields of Europe, where all the restaurant's ingredients are sourced. The patio area also has a fantastic beach view and is a lovely spot to enjoy the balmy weather.
Sayad restaurant, Emirates Palace, 02 690 7999
3. Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, DIFC. Providing style and substance for DIFC's post-work diners, Caramel is known for its sophisticated yet chilled-out approach in both interiors and food. True to form, its new seasonal menu doesn't disappoint. Choose from meaty hoisin steak salad, marinated chicken or an almost virtuous veggie risotto.
Caramel Restaurant & Lounge, DIFC, Building 3, Level 2, 04 425 6677
4. Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai. A new chef and a new menu are ringing in the seasonal changes at Traiteur. Indulge in chef Simon Wipf's duck foie gras terrine with strawberry, pan-fried sea bass with artichokes and girolle, and pan-fried cod with braised leek, garlic broth and champagne reduction. Plus, the legendary Traiteur Friday brunch can still be enjoyed, with four packages to choose from starting at Dh395 per person.
Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai, 04 317 2222
5. Amador Restaurant and Cellar, Park Rotana. This newly opened restaurant and cellar run by the three-starred Michelin chef Juan Amador boasts a mouth-watering fine dining menu. During spring, you can get selected free tapas with beverage orders, from 4-6pm, Saturday to Tuesday.
Amador Restaurant and Cellar, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, 02 657 3333
Organic online
It wasn't until we munched our way through a bag of organic carrots that we understood what vegetables should taste like. Lucky us, then, that Ripe, organisers of the UAE's organic markets, is now adding Abu Dhabi to its list of deliveries. Just like Dubai, those in the capital can order online and then collect their boxes weekly at any Jones the Grocer. And if fruit and veg aren't enough, head to Jones in Al Raha Gardens every Thursday between 3 and 7pm to sample some of the region's best locally sourced organic coffee, bread, cakes, and jams at the Ripe market.
Ripe vegetable boxes are Dh80 for a small box (for two to three) and Dh130 for a large box (for three to five); order online at www.ripeme.com. Collection is every Thursday between 2 and 10pm at Jones the Grocer locations in Al Mamoura, Al Khalidiyah and Al Raha Gardens
New opening: 1915 by Seddiqi
Deira City Centre's latest offerings are for those on a budget. With collections by Emporio Armani, Issey Miyake and Gc, 1915 by Seddiqi is what you can call the "diffusion line" for the Seddiqi group's pricier watch shops. Great for a dash of style on your wrist that doesn't require a lifetime of savings.
Dh1,570, Deira City Centre, 04 295 3225
Boxing days
In a market flooded with boot camps and fitness classes, one gym in Dubai is offering something a bit different for those who want to fight the flab and get fighting fit for the imminent bikini season. KO in Dubai Marina, a boxing and kickboxing gym with some of the world's top title-holders as coaches, promises to get you in shape at its Survivor Challenge. Three days a week for six weeks, there will be specialised sessions geared towards serious fat burning. The instructors will give nutritional guidance and participants will receive a start-up kit with equipment including boxing gloves and hand wraps and nutritional supplements.
Dh1,500, including a complimentary ticket to KO Awards Gala Banquet. Course runs April 15-May 27, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-7am. To register, email kopromotionsdubai@gmail.com
Gravity defying
The Spring/Summer runways were confusing when it came to shoes. Mules (blekh!), cork (oh dear!) and kitten heels (say no more!) - we don't know where to direct our hatred. But one trend we can agree on is sculptural heels. To say that we love them is an understatement. There's no denying how beautiful and eye-catching they are, but do not attempt to buy a pair unless you are a heel expert - wobble and your ankles are a goner.
Dh3,525, Giuseppe Zanotti, Dubai Mall, 04 439 0409; Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 3117
Fruit fingers
Knuckledusters are quickly replacing cocktail rings as the new hot accessory. They're not the most practical for fast typing, but then again, who's really going to wear this glittery show-stopper to work? Save it for the weekends and pair it with a bright tea dress for Friday brunch.
Dh70, Aldo Accessories, Dubai Mall, 04 339 9430 and elsewhere