Latest news with #RangMahal
The National
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Google menu sleuths who pre-plan their restaurant orders leave a sour taste in my month
If video killed the radio star, then the internet pretty much killed anticipation. With most goods and services just a couple of clicks away, attention spans are waning and patience is wearing thin. So, buckle up and sit tight for a Gen X gripe. I am married to a menu sleuth. This means that no matter how far ahead the restaurant is booked, my husband will know exactly what he's going to order when we get there. He knew what he was going to eat when went to Rang Mahal (peppered lamb chop, butter naan); Pitfire Pizza (Pepperoni Primo, garlic knots) and The Maine (600g rib-eye, triple-cooked fries and steamed broccolini, please), to name but a few. His rationale for sleuthing is that he can start looking forward to his dinner in advance. Perhaps pre-planning any belt-loosening which might be necessary, or what colour shirt to wear following the infamous sushi-dropped-in-soy-sauce-while-wearing-white-shirt incident of 2013, which remains a sore subject to this day. Sleuth is an interesting word. Think sleuth and the likes of Poirot, Miss Marple or Sherlock Holmes spring to mind. The sleuth is cerebral and measured, their decisions thoughtful, their actions deliberate. All of which must make me a Menu Moriarty, forever wondering why anyone would willingly forfeit the joyous spontaneity that comes from being presented with a list of never-seen-before choices and experiencing the thrill of thinking: 'Oooh, what shall I have?' Perusing the menu is part of the whole restaurant experience, along with that awkward pull-out-sit-down chair dance between you and the maitre d', which I have never quite mastered. And the frosting on the cake – the cherry is the actual arrival of the food – is discussing the menu together. 'This looks nice,' you might say, pointing to something featuring heirloom tomatoes and a balsamic glaze. 'Did you see that they have…,' your dining companion might reply, having spotted a dish you like. But if you already know what you're going to have thanks to menu sleuthing, this removes or at least seriously impairs the casual chatter that is part of the restaurant experience. Those who know me might assume I would be a big fan of menu sleuthing, because I am that most wretched of dinner party guests: the picky eater. My pickiness is esoteric and, even though I say it myself, both adorable and quirky. For example, I like prawns, but only the small ones, because the big meaty ones freak me out. I am not a vegetarian and enjoy a good steak, but if I'm invited to a dinner party at your house, I will tell you that I am vegetarian because I dislike meat being cooked for me if I cannot personally oversee its preparation. And what host doesn't love a guest in their kitchen prodding at the chicken fricassee and asking: 'Are you sure it's done on the inside?' In my defence, I had a bad experience once with a pink chicken at a dinner party, from which I have never fully recovered. Am I against restaurants having their menus online? Of course not. For those who are picky (not me, obviously, other people), have allergies or certain preferences it can be useful. But if you're Googling the menu just to decide what you're going to eat three weeks from now, quite frankly, you're abusing the system and should have your internet privileges revoked. If it's a steak restaurant, let's assume there'll be steak and a vegetarian option based around cauliflower, or worst case scenario, a salad. If it's an Italian restaurant, assume variations on pasta will be available, and so forth. You don't need to know exactly what's on the menu. For me it comes down to the fact there's not much mystery in life these days. For every vague question you have, there's thousands of YouTube videos explaining, debunking and offering alternative theories to the answer. For every passing query there's a plethora of TikToks, Instagram posts and hashtags dedicated to examining every angle while also suggesting you get ready with them and enjoy their outfit of the day. For me, menu sleuthing removes a little bit of the fun, anticipatory not-knowingness that comes from discovering a new restaurant. I just told my husband I've written this column about him. 'I'm not sure about sleuth,' he said. 'I'd call it being a connoisseur.'
What's On
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Ramadan at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai: A month of flavour, gatherings, and tradition
Sponsored: A month of great food and great company… This Ramadan, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai invites you to experience a warm and inviting atmosphere with incredible Iftars and serene spaces, whether you're enjoying a rooftop meal with a view, unwinding with a spa day, savouring the culinary delights at Dubai's beloved Kitchen 6, or indulging in the exquisite Indian flavours at Rang Mahal, all of which promise to elevate your Iftar experience to new heights. Iftar under starry sky For an Iftar with a view, the rooftop terrace at JW Marriott Marquis transforms into a magical setting. Against the glittering backdrop of Dubai's skyline and Burj Khalifa, guests can enjoy a delicious buffet featuring Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian, and international dishes. Live oud music sets the perfect ambience, making it a perfectly relaxed evening of great food and company. Iftar runs daily from sunset-9.30pm, priced at Dhs235 per person. Tel: (0)4 414 0000. Book here Global flavours at Kitchen6 The award-winning Kitchen6 is all about variety, and its Ramadan spread does not disappoint. With six live cooking stations, expect a feast of international dishes—from Asian woks to Middle Eastern grills and Indian tandoors. Whether you're craving something classic or looking to explore new flavours, Kitchen6 promises an Iftar worth savouring. Kitchen6, Iftar runs daily from sunset-9pm, priced at Dhs235 per person. Tel: (0)4 414 3000. Book here Traditional Indian Iftar at Rang Mahal For an Iftar with a touch of spice, Rang Mahal serves up a sharing-style set menu of authentic Indian dishes. From rich curries to indulgent regional sweets, the menu is designed for those who love bold flavours and comforting classics. Vegetarian options are also available, making it a welcoming space for all. Rang Mahal, Iftar runs daily from sunset-11pm, priced at Dhs195 per person. Tel: (0)4 414 3000. Book here Ramadan wellness at Saray Spa Ramadan is also a time for self-care, and Saray Spa has just the perfect setting to help you unwind. Enjoy 20% off Hammam treatments, facials, and massages throughout the month. Whether it's a traditional Hammam experience or a relaxing massage, it's the perfect way to reset and recharge. Saray Spa, 20% off on 60-minute Hammam & facials, and 20% off 60 or 90-minute massages from 7am-12pm, offers valid throughout Ramadan. Tel: ( 0)4 414 6754 . Book here Private Iftar gatherings For larger celebrations or corporate events, JW Marriott Marquis also offers private Iftar experiences, complete with special banquet menus and live cooking stations. Whether you're hosting family, friends, or colleagues, the hotel ensures an exceptional dining experience tailored to your needs. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Business Bay. Tel: (0)4 414 0000. For more details and reservations, visit @jwmarriottmarquisdubai Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
FACT
10-02-2025
- Entertainment
- FACT
Savour a romantic Valentine's dinner at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Love is in the air at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Located in Business Bay, the world's tallest five-star hotel invites guests to celebrate Valentine's Day at its three signature restaurants. Each dining destination offers a unique culinary experience, spanning flavours from around the world while providing a spectacular setting for the most romantic day of the year. Couples visiting can soak up Downtown Dubai's views while celebrating the special day at Prime68, Tong Thai and Rang Mahal. Whether you opt for the elevated steakhouse at Prime68, authentic Thai food at Tong Thai or to spice up the romance at Rang Mahal, there is something special for every couple. Located on the 68th floor of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, Prime68 is an award-winning steakhouse. The restaurant boasts swoon-worthy views of the city and a sophisticated atmosphere. Enjoy a specially curated four-course menu, which features a decadent dessert and a French bottle of bubbly. Highlights include Cecina Wrapped Hokkaido, Lobster Paccheri and AACO Westholme Wagyu Chateaubriand MB5+. The dinner is available on 14 February from 5.30pm. AED 1,100 per couple, AED 1,400 for a table by the window with views, and AED 495 per person minimum spend for the a la carte menu. Celebrate love this Valentine's Day with a journey through Thailand's rich culinary history. The four-course set menu at the FACT award-winning Tong Thai blends authentic flavours with romantic indulgence. Paired with two glasses of bubbly, the dishes include Nua Phad Ka-Prao, Talay Phad Phong Ka-Ree and Massaman Gai. The dinner is available on 14 February from 6pm. AED 590 per couple. Rang Mahal prides itself on its authentic Indian cuisine. The seven-course menu is bursting with sub-continental spices. Guests can enjoy a glass of bubbly while making their way through the vegetarian menu or non-vegetarian menu. The signature dishes include 'Ghee' Roast Jackfruit or Himalayan Morrel, Banana Leaf Baked Cottage Cheese or Banana Leaf Baked Fish, and Tofu and Corn or Lobster and Corn. The dinner is available on 14 February from 6pm. AED 590 per couple. GO: Visit or call 04 414 3000 for reservations and more information.
