Latest news with #Rialto
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bill will hobble Washington's affordable housing
In communities across Washington, the need for affordable housing is immediate and urgent. At Great Expectations and Urban Housing Ventures, we see this every day — in families searching for an affordable place to call home, in seniors looking for stability and in workforce members priced out of the communities they serve. We've made progress, but that progress is fragile. The tools and partnerships we rely on are delicate threads that can unravel with a single policy change. That's why we are deeply concerned about a specific provision in Senate Bill 5794: the elimination of the first mortgage interest deduction for community banks. We respectfully urge Gov. Bob Ferguson to partially veto SB 5794. At first glance, this might look like a narrow tax change, but the reality is much broader. Community banks are not just financial institutions. They are essential partners in affordable housing. These banks provide flexible lending, invest in and finance local projects, and work closely with nonprofits and mission-driven housing builders like ours to bring homes within reach for families who otherwise couldn't afford them. This deduction is one of the few incentives that make it financially viable for community banks to continue offering mortgage products to home buyers and essential financing to affordable housing projects and workforce housing initiatives — like current projects at the Rialto, the Exley and the St. Helen's buildings in downtown Tacoma. Without this exemption, the cost of doing business for community banks will rise sharply — by some estimates, their tax burdens will increase between 80% and 200%. That's not sustainable. And it's not equitable when national banks, credit unions and online lenders are unaffected by this particular tax increase. Community banks are extremely valuable partners to affordable housing creators and residents alike, but if this bill moves forward without a partial veto, these local, relationship-focused banks will have to make tough decisions about whether to continue to do business in Washington. The consequences will fall squarely on the shoulders of working families. Washington's community banks will face either scaling back lending or increasing costs to customers. Ultimately, fewer families will be able to buy their first homes and affordable housing builders and non-profits will lose an important partner in their efforts to ease the housing crisis. We've seen what's possible when our banking partners are at the table. Community banks have helped finance permanently affordable owned and leased housing, offered down payment assistance, and backed innovative solutions for people exiting homelessness. These aren't theoretical outcomes. They are homes built, families stabilized and lives changed. And they happened because our state's financial ecosystem supported them. Removing the mortgage interest deduction now, especially during a time of increasing economic uncertainty, adds instability to an already difficult environment. At the federal level, housing programs are on shaky ground. Cuts or delays in federal funding for affordable housing only heighten the need for strong state and local partnerships. Community banks aren't asking for special treatment. They will still pay the B&O tax increase passed this session, which applies to most of the business community. But layering this additional cost — targeted only at them — risks weakening or even severing partnerships that affordable housing providers across Washington depend on. As two organizations rooted in this work, we know firsthand that we cannot solve the housing crisis alone. It takes a coalition — nonprofits, mission-driven builders, state leaders, funders and lenders — pulling together to move the needle. When one partner is forced to step back, the whole system suffers. Gov. Ferguson, we know your commitment to our state's housing crisis is sincere. That's why we're asking for your help. A partial veto of SB 5794 — specifically Section 105 (4) and (5) — would protect a critical financial tool that keeps affordable homes within reach for more Washington families. Let's keep building. Together. Ben Maritz is founder and CEO of Great Expectations, a mission-driven, below-market housing builder and operator. Tom Lindquist is co-founder and managing member of Urban Housing Ventures, a mission-driven housing provider with a focus on workforce affordability.
What's On
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Restaurant review: Rialto
Buonasera, Dubai… The buzz around the newly opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab has been non-stop since day one, and when I finally made it there, I instantly got the hype. Rightfully so – the hotel is stunning, and every bit of the excitement is well deserved. Then I walked into Rialto. Italian dining, at its best, has that cosy, timeless feel – and Rialto nails that perfectly. It's got the warmth, the comfort, and the authenticity you'd expect from a true Italian restaurant. The vibe Old-school Italian charm with a modern edge – that's the vibe at Rialto. At the helm is Chef Roberto Rispoli, a Pompeii-born culinary talent with Michelin-starred experience, bringing the flavours of Northern Italy to Dubai. Expect a menu rooted in tradition but with a contemporary twist, all served up in a space that oozes vintage glamour – chic yet warm, stylish yet inviting. The food We started with the Crudo menu Crudo di Ricciola – Yellowtail crudo with kalamansi and lemon (Dhs120). Fresh, bright, and citrusy – exactly what you want to wake up your palate. – Yellowtail crudo with kalamansi and lemon (Dhs120). Fresh, bright, and citrusy – exactly what you want to wake up your palate. Tartare di Tonno e Caviale – Yellowtail tuna tartare with caviar (Dhs280). Easily a favourite. Then onto Antipasti, where we had Arancini alla Zafferano, Tartare di Manzo – Saffron arancini with beef tartare (Dhs85). – Saffron arancini with beef tartare (Dhs85). Tartare di Pomodoro (Dhs100). Simple yet delicious – definitely a must-try. (Dhs100). Simple yet delicious – definitely a must-try. Carpaccio al Pomodoro e Burrata Fritta – Tomato carpaccio with fried burrata (Dhs120). So perfectly creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. For pasta, it was hard to choose, but we went with Fettuccine alla Bolognese – Wagyu beef fettuccine with tomato (Dhs140). Exactly what you'd expect – comfort food at its finest. – Wagyu beef fettuccine with tomato (Dhs140). Exactly what you'd expect – comfort food at its finest. Il Raviolo di Rialto – Ricotta cheese, butter, and sake raviolo (Dhs120). Might just be my favourite from the pasta menu. For mains, we had Branzino al Guazzetto con Patate – Seabass fillet with potatoes, tomatoes, and basil (Dhs180). So flavourful, filling, yet surprisingly light. And of course, we ended with dessert with Tiramisu. Because an Italian meal without tiramisu? Unacceptable. Verdict Rialto ticks all the boxes – the vibe, the food, the experience. If you're after quality Italian food with an ambiance that actually feels Italian, this is a spot worth trying. And if you love having plenty of pasta options (because, really, who doesn't?), then Rialto should definitely be high on your list. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3. Tel: 800 323232. @rialtodubai Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Telegraph
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The poshest man in Britpop: ‘There's aristocratic musicians pretending they grew up on council estates'
This is the ballad of the Honourable Louis Eliot, former Britpop pin-up and heir presumptive to Earldom of St Germans. He was taught to play guitar by a member of Hawkwind, ran festivals at his ancestral home in Port Eliot, played guitar for Grace Jones and, for a brief, shining moment in the 1990s was poised to be the next big thing. 'If you had made it, you would surely have been the poshest rock star in history,' I point out. 'Well, I still might be,' he dryly responds. Eliot is staging a belated comeback with his critically admired band Rialto, returning after a 24-year absence with Neon and Ghost Signs, a sparkling, brittle collection of pop gems about lost nights and bittersweet dawns, released this week. 'It's basically a middle-aged man searching for a youth he missed out on but only finding the bruises in the morning.' Let's deal with his title first. 'It's an anachronism, isn't it?' Eliot laughs, softly. He cuts a dashing figure at 57. Leonine and handsome in a mod jacket and smart jeans. He looks every inch old Britpop royalty, but there is little to suggest he is a scion of one of England's most venerable aristocratic families. 'Can you imagine expecting anyone to address you as The Honourable? There's an inherent contradiction in calling yourself that.' Eliot's upbringing was equal parts bohemian and eccentric aristo, 'kind of free range, benign neglect.' His late father, Peregrine, the 10 th Earl of St Germans, was described at his funeral in 2016 by poet Heathcote Williams as 'an unusual mix of hippie and stiff upper lip.' His Countess mother Jacquetta Eliot (born Lampson) was a noted beauty who partied with the Beatles and modelled naked for Lucien Freud, with whom she had a tumultuous affair and featured in nine of his most famous paintings. Eliot spent his childhood between Ladbroke Grove, London 'playing music in the kitchen with my mum's boyfriend' (Duart Maclean from short-lived punk band Bank of Dresden) and summers at Port Eliot, an enormous mansion of 'dilapidated wings and 200-year-old wallpaper peeling off the walls.' His father's biker friends camped out on the 6000-acre estate, where Eliot and his brothers would beg for rides on Harley Davidsons. 'There were no real rules, apart from lunch at one and clean shoes indoors.' His parents staged the Elephant Fayre, a music and arts festival that featured Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure and the Fall, from 1981 to 1986. 'My dad and Michael Eavis were friends. If he'd held it together it could be as enormous as Glastonbury, but dad didn't have those ambitions.' Life in London wasn't much more regulated. Eliot remembers Freud in 'paint-spotted chef trousers jangling with coins, notes falling out of his pockets. His attitude towards money was that if he had it, he would gamble it away. He was very anti being comfortable.' Louis received guitar lessons from Huw Lloyd-Langton of Hawkwind 'an inspiring, lovely man.' His father once tried to pay for lessons with a lump of hash, which didn't go down well. 'Huw had forsworn all drugs after a terrible psychedelic experience.' By 19, Eliot was at Chelsea Art School when he was roped into performing at a working men's club. 'I had a fear of getting up on stage. I nearly bottled it.' But he 'gave it my all' singing country standard Heartaches by the Number. 'It was a cathartic moment.' He was walking home when 'out of the shadows I heard this voice saying, 'Nice singing, Louis.' I looked up, and it was Joe Strummer.' The Clash frontman had been in the audience. 'He was one of my heroes. I stood there speechless while he walked off. But it gave me a boost of confidence.' Handsome, personable, talented and well-connected, Eliot seemed destined for success. Noel Gallagher was a fan of his early 90's indie glam rock band, Kinky Machine. They morphed into Rialto who scored some smart hits, with Melody Maker predicting a 'future of Oasis -like proportions.' But it all suddenly unravelled during a record label shake-up at the end of the decade. 'You've gotta have the goods, and then you've gotta have the luck,' says Eliot. 'And there's not that much luck to go around in this business.' He insists he never became despondent. He moved back to Cornwall, where he raised two children with long-standing girlfriend Murphy Williams (daughter of poet Hugo Williams), released solo albums and co-wrote Will Young's Leave Right Now, which won an Ivor Novello in 2004. 'That's the dream, writing a song that sticks around.' He acknowledges privilege. 'I always knew I'd have a roof over my head, which is an incredible gift. It meant I could keep making music.' He ran a literary festival at Port Eliot that came to an end with the pandemic and played pubs with a punky Celtic Cornish band. 'I've played some of my best gigs in front of 20 people at the Betsey Trotwood in Clerkenwell. I just love to play.' Playing in a functions band led to his next break, when Grace Jones turned up as a guest at a wedding. 'We played Pull Up to the Bumper and Grace wound up on stage at a marquee in the countryside, the tent was jumping, and I was beaming, that one riff going round and round and round. It was the most fun I'd had playing guitar ever. I said afterwards, if you ever need a guitar player, I'd love to do it.' When the call eventually came, 'I was literally jumping for joy. I didn't have to audition. It was straight off to Australia for some shows.' Eliot tells amusing tales about Grace at a 'gritty techno festival' in Serbia making the seven-piece Grace Jones band play a 37-minute outro to Slave to the Rhythm whilst hula hooping topless. 'Physically she is in incredible condition,' he says of the 76-year-old star, recalling a time she fell off a 12-foot platform mid-song. 'I spot her between the drum kit and bass amp, and she mouths 'Keep playing!'' 'Grace's rider is to be admired,' he smiles. 'She's always got the best suite in the best hotel in the city. There's a party after every gig. I've left her suite at seven in the morning, thinking I'm finished, but she's in her leotard with her tennis racket out ready to destroy someone.' In 2019, a medical emergency almost ended everything. Eliot collapsed on a family holiday in Spain. 'I was delirious, but I knew I was dying.' In the hospital, they removed part of his intestine. 'It was touch and go, quite traumatic, but I had this incredible will to get better. I had the feeling, 'I need to get out of this'. And this was everything.' Eliot feels he received a second chance. 'All those cliches about life not being a rehearsal were resonating very deeply.' His 25 year on-off relationship with Murphy Williams came to an end, their children were at university, and Eliot was suddenly back in a world he thought he had left behind with Rialto, a man about London town, late nights and regretful mornings. 'I had a sense of switching off the autopilot and grabbing the wheel.' Our interview started in the Groucho Club, scene of many Britpop hijinks, and wound up at the tiny Royal Exchange pub in Paddington, where members of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite have been known to play DJ sets. Eliot seems to know everyone, from old rockers to young hipsters. When someone cheekily asks if Eliot is 'the oldest swinger in town' he shoots back 'No, but I'm gonna be!' I've known the Honourable Louis a long time. He has a certain sweetness, a shy smile and easy wit, with a sensitivity that adds weight to his beautifully formed songwriting. I was a fan of Rialto in the 1990s, and their new album recaptures that same spirit of nightlife drama with an added yearning and pathos that comes with age, the feeling that everything is slipping away. I ask him what his expectations really are, this former contender, emerging from the shadows to give it another shot. 'I had a plan once, I was going to go to art college, then get a record deal by 24, and all of that happened,' says Louis. 'When I started making this record, I really thought I'd be happy with a few good reviews and a spin on 6 Music. And I've had that, we've got gigs coming up, and people seem excited to have Rialto back. That's really all it's about. To receive validation for your poetic self, that's the reward. To be heard.' So will he ever be the poshest star in rock and roll? 'Oh, I could out a few others,' he smiles. 'There's definitely musicians from the last gasps of the aristocratic families out there pretending they were raised on housing estates. But I'm not naming names.'
What's On
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
12 new restaurants in Dubai you'll want to try this April
Dubai's always got something new cooking, and April is no exception. This month, there's an exciting lineup of new restaurants in Dubai to explore. From Italian fine dining to innovative plant-based cuisine, and even a dinner-with-a-show. Here are 12 new restaurants to check out this April. Click through the gallery 3 of 12 Old-school Italian charm with a modern edge, that' the vibe at Rialto, the latest addition to Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. At the helm is Chef Roberto Rispoli, a Pompeii-born culinary talent with Michelin-starred experience, bringing the flavours of Northern Italy to Dubai. The menu brings together seasonal ingredients and time-honoured techniques, with standouts like yellowtail crudo with kalamansi and lemon, tuna tartare topped with caviar, and saffron arancini with beef tartare. Pasta lovers will want to try the wagyu bolognese fettucce, while the Il Raviolo di Rialto, filled with ricotta and finished with butter and sake, is pure comfort. For mains, the branzino al guazzetto is a solid choice. Rialto, Jumeirah Marsa, Ground Floor. Tel: 800 323232. @rialtodubai Opening soon at The Opus, Maison Dali is a Mediterranean-Japanese brasserie led by Michelin-starred chef Tristin Farmer. The menu blends umami-rich ingredients with open-fire cooking and dry aging, featuring dishes like king crab ceviche with fermented pineapple and smoked lobster donabe with truffle. The drinks menu takes inspiration from global art forms, offering both cocktails and non-alcoholic pairings crafted to complement every bite. A hidden supper club will be unveiled soon. The Opus Residences, The Opus by Omniyat, Ground floor, Al A'amal St, Business Bay. Tel : (0)4 2579554. @ maisondali_dubai Rooted in nature and set within the Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, Taama takes a thoughtful approach to dining. The menu leans into bold flavours and open-fire cooking, with dishes like the slow-roasted Lion's Mane mushroom, finished with wild garlic butter and creamy peppercorn sauce. The artichoke spread, a play on mutabbal, is served with a hibachi-grilled skewer and a squeeze of lime. Even the drinks stay in step, with non-alcoholic cocktails crafted in partnership with Lyre's, like the Al Cozy, a nod to the restaurant's Al Quoz home, and the butterfly pea-infused Crown Bliss. Taama, 13 A Street Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Quoz – Al Quoz 1. Tel: (0)4 397 0271. @ West Palm Beach just got a taste of Russia with the international debut of Magadan, a seafood spot known for its premium catches and lively atmosphere. The menu is all about high-quality seafood, from Kamchatka crab and plump Magadan shrimp on ice to buttery Sakhalin scallops. The signature Magadan fish soup is rich and comforting, while the mini chebureks stuffed with sweet crab bring a crispy, golden crunch. Magadan, Palm West Beach. @ magadandubai Opening soon in Dubai Marina, Gaba Bar brings a dual identity, an intimate Asian tea room by day and a hidden cocktail lounge by night. By daylight, it's all about tradition, with a selection of carefully sourced teas. After dark, the space transforms into a vintage-inspired speakeasy, where Asian ingredients take center stage in creative cocktails, alongside a curated selection of Champagnes and rare whiskeys. Gaba Bar, Dubai Marina. @ Hidden in Al Barari's greenery, Nette is the kind of place where slow mornings and good food go hand in hand. It's dog-friendly, family-friendly, and all about light, nourishing dishes. The menu blends French and Japanese flavours, with highlights like the yuzu ponzu crispy salmon salad and the miso-braised beef French dip sandwich. The drinks menu features matcha creations, smoothies, and coffee brewed with beans from Three Roastery. Nette, Al Barari. @ nettedxb Fresh from London, Bread Ahead has landed at City Centre Mirdif, marking its third Dubai location after Mall of the Emirates and DIFC. The cult-favorite bakery is known for its pillowy doughnuts, flaky pastries, sourdough pizzas, and expertly brewed coffee, now available to a whole new crowd. Bread Ahead. @ breadaheaduae London's buzzworthy dining spot, COCO, is making its Dubai debut in Downtown. The menu spans globally inspired dishes and a lineup of non-alcoholic cocktails, all served in a space designed for both dining and late-night lounging. COCO Restaurant & Lounge, Al Murooj Complex opp, Dubai Mall Downtown Dubai. Mirabelle brings the effortless charm of the Mediterranean to Dubai Marina, balancing French elegance with a laid-back Italian spirit. The menu spotlights fresh seafood, from the Oyster Ritual, Gillardeau and Fine de Claire oysters shucked tableside, to the towering Grand Plateau de la Mer, layered with lobster, prawns, and king crab. For something heartier, the Chicken Albufera, infused with truffle, pays homage to French culinary tradition. Mirabelle, Jumeira St, Umm Suqeim 3. Tel: 800 323232. The team behind CLAP is back with KIRA Restaurant and LITT Bar Club, opened mid March at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Two sides of the same light, KIRA offers a menu rooted in Mediterranean and Japanese flavours, with a focus on wild-caught seafood, robot-fired meats, and handcrafted pasta. The terrace is a laid-back outdoor space with uninterrupted views of Burj Al Arab. As the night moves on, LITT picks up the pace. Located inside KIRA with its own entrance, it's a nightlife spot built around music, atmosphere, and an incredible cocktail list that puts agave spirits at the forefront. Ready to experience both worlds? Reservations are now open. KIRA Restaurant, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, opening March 14, daily 12pm to 2am. @kirarestaurant LITT Bar Club, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, opening March 14, Tuesday to Saturday 9pm to 3am. @littbarclub Hidden behind studded doors on the 53rd floor of the Sheraton Grand, Scandal is where late-night dining meets entertainment. The night kicks off in The Lounge, a cocktail bar with a touch of old Soho and underground Tokyo. Then, it's onto The Dinner Show, where world-class performers take the stage under a grand chandelier. The menu spans Latin American, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences, with dishes like beetroot tartare with balsamic-guajillo marinade, salmon ceviche in hibiscus tiger' milk, and duck carnitas with tamarind-hoisin sauce. Smoked cauliflower with habanero-honey glaze adds a bold twist, while golden churros with cinnamon-chili chocolate wrap things up on a sweet note. After dinner, DJs take over, and the party goes on until 3am. Scandal, Sheraton Grand, Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm to 3am daily, reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome (subject to availability), Dress Code: Elegant, upscale attire. @scandaldxb Nette Hidden in Al Barari's greenery, Nette is one of the most exciting new restaurants in Dubai, and the kind of place where slow mornings and good food go hand in hand. It's dog-friendly, family-friendly, and all about light, nourishing dishes. The menu blends French and Japanese flavours, with highlights like the yuzu ponzu crispy salmon salad and the miso-braised beef French dip sandwich. The drinks menu features matcha creations, smoothies, and coffee brewed with beans from Three Roastery. Nette, Al Barari. @ nettedxb Rialto Old-school Italian charm with a modern edge – that's the vibe at Rialto, the latest addition to Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. At the helm is Chef Roberto Rispoli, a Pompeii-born culinary talent with Michelin-starred experience, bringing the flavours of Northern Italy to Dubai. The menu brings together seasonal ingredients and time-honoured techniques, with standouts like yellowtail crudo with kalamansi and lemon, tuna tartare topped with caviar, and saffron arancini with beef tartare. Pasta lovers will want to try the wagyu bolognese fettucce, while the Il Raviolo di Rialto, filled with ricotta and finished with butter and sake, is pure comfort. For mains, the branzino al guazzetto is a solid choice. Maison Dali Opening soon at The Opus, Maison Dali is a Mediterranean-Japanese brasserie led by Michelin-starred chef Tristin Farmer. The menu blends umami-rich ingredients with open-fire cooking and dry aging, featuring dishes like king crab ceviche with fermented pineapple and smoked lobster donabe with truffle. The drinks menu takes inspiration from global art forms, offering both cocktails and non-alcoholic pairings crafted to complement every bite. A hidden supper club will be unveiled soon. The Opus Residences, The Opus by Omniyat, Ground floor, Al A'amal St, Business Bay. Tel : 04 257 9554. @ maisondali_dubai Magadan West Palm Beach just got a taste of Russia with the international debut of Magadan, a seafood spot known for its premium catches and lively atmosphere. The menu is all about high-quality seafood, from Kamchatka crab and plump Magadan shrimp on ice to buttery Sakhalin scallops. The signature Magadan fish soup is rich and comforting, while the mini chebureks stuffed with sweet crab bring a crispy, golden crunch. Magadan, Palm West Beach. @ magadandubai KIRA & LITT The team behind CLAP is back with KIRA Restaurant and LITT Bar Club, opened mid March at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Two sides of the same light – KIRA offers a menu rooted in Mediterranean and Japanese flavours, with a focus on wild-caught seafood, robot-fired meats, and handcrafted pasta. The terrace is a laid-back outdoor space with uninterrupted views of Burj Al Arab. As the night moves on, LITT picks up the pace. Located inside KIRA with its own entrance, it's a nightlife spot built around music, atmosphere, and an incredible cocktail list that puts agave spirits at the forefront. Ready to experience both worlds? Reservations are now open. KIRA Restaurant, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, opening March 14, daily 12pm – 2am. @kirarestaurant LITT Bar Club, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel, opening March 14, Tuesday to Saturday 9pm – 3am. @littbarclub Scandal Hidden behind studded doors on the 53rd floor of the Sheraton Grand, Scandal is where late-night dining meets entertainment. The night kicks off in The Lounge – a cocktail bar with a touch of old Soho and underground Tokyo. Then, it's onto The Dinner Show, where world-class performers take the stage under a grand chandelier. The menu spans Latin American, Mediterranean, and Japanese influences, with dishes like beetroot tartare with balsamic-guajillo marinade, salmon ceviche in hibiscus tiger's milk, and duck carnitas with tamarind-hoisin sauce. Smoked cauliflower with habanero-honey glaze adds a bold twist, while golden churros with cinnamon-chili chocolate wrap things up on a sweet note. After dinner, DJs take over, and the party goes on until 3am. Scandal, Sheraton Grand, Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm to 3am daily, reservations are recommended but walk-ins are welcome (subject to availability), Dress Code: Elegant, upscale attire. @scandaldxb Taama Rooted in nature and set within the Sohum Wellness Sanctuary, Taama takes a thoughtful approach to dining. The menu leans into bold flavours and open-fire cooking, with dishes like the slow-roasted Lion's Mane mushroom, finished with wild garlic butter and creamy peppercorn sauce. The artichoke spread, a play on mutabbal, is served with a hibachi-grilled skewer and a squeeze of lime. Even the drinks stay in step, with non-alcoholic cocktails crafted in partnership with Lyre's – like the Al Cozy, a nod to the restaurant's Al Quoz home, and the butterfly pea-infused Crown Bliss. Taama, 13 A Street Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Quoz – Al Quoz 1. Tel: (0)4 397 0271. @ Mirabelle Mirabelle brings the effortless charm of the Mediterranean to Dubai Marina, balancing French elegance with a laid-back Italian spirit. The menu spotlights fresh seafood, from the Oyster Ritual—Gillardeau and Fine de Claire oysters shucked tableside—to the towering Grand Plateau de la Mer, layered with lobster, prawns, and king crab. For something heartier, the Chicken Albuféra, infused with truffle, pays homage to French culinary tradition. Mirabelle, Jumeira St, Umm Suqeim 3. Tel: 800 323232. Gaba Bar Set to open soon, Gaba Bar is one of the new restaurants in Dubai bringing a new concept to Dubai Marina. Gaba Bar brings a dual identity – an intimate Asian tea room by day and a hidden cocktail lounge by night. By daylight, it's all about tradition, with a selection of carefully sourced teas. After dark, the space transforms into a vintage-inspired speakeasy, where Asian ingredients take center stage in creative cocktails, alongside a curated selection of Champagnes and rare whiskeys. Gaba Bar, Dubai Marina. @ Coco Restaurant & Lounge London's buzzworthy dining spot, COCO, is making its Dubai debut in Downtown. The menu spans globally inspired dishes and a lineup of non-alcoholic cocktails, all served in a space designed for both dining and late-night lounging. COCO Restaurant & Lounge, Al Murooj Complex opp, Dubai Mall Downtown Dubai. Bread Ahead Fresh from London, Bread Ahead has landed at City Centre Mirdif, marking its third Dubai location after Mall of the Emirates and DIFC. The cult-favorite bakery is known for its pillowy doughnuts, flaky pastries, sourdough pizzas, and expertly brewed coffee—now available to a whole new crowd. Bread Ahead. multiple locations. @ breadaheaduae Images: Instagram/Official websites
BBC News
11-03-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Restoration of Saints' 'punishment car' is like 'model kit'
Students who are rebuilding a unique rugby "punishment" car have likened it to a "model kit" - and say much progress has been three-wheeled Reliant Rialto was discovered in Harlestone Firs, near Northampton in Northampton Saints players said members were made to drive the vehicle as a punishment for errors in training or mechanics students at Northampton College are now trying to restore it to its former glory. The Rialto was bought by the club and painted with the Saints colours in 2002 as a the players who had to drive it as a penalty for wrongdoing was Ben Cohen, who was caught doing donuts in the club car park. A local businessman bought the car and displayed it for several years, but it then it was rescued years later, it had been vandalised almost beyond former Saints player and manager, Lennie Newman, pledged to get it restored and Northampton College stepped in to 18 months, a lot of work has been chassis has been sent to a firm in Corby to be re-galvanised, there are new weight-adjustable shock absorbers, and all the steering and braking components have been bonnet is in the process of being repainted and a new clutch is being fitted. Mechanics lecturer Steve Bunker said: "The students are loving it - they've put an amazing amount of effort into it."It's probably a bigger project than we ever thought - we didn't ever intend to go to this level." Sammy Mold, one of the students, said: "It worked in our favour that it was fibreglass because it was almost like a bit of a model kit really - and we could just strip it, tip it all out."I do watch rugby, so it's nice to have some sort of part in the team."Charlie Brown, another student who wants to be a paint-sprayer, said: "It's got me an apprenticeship, to be honest."It is hoped the conversion of the car from wrecked rugby Rialto to sensational Saints spectacle will be completed later this year. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
