New and notable in Dubai
At first glance, Fi’lia, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant at the top of the SLS Dubai, could be right out of promotional real estate videos shown on Emirates Airlines. However, there is more to meet the eye and the palate. Its Italian Business Lunch menu features a Tomatino salad with rich ripe tomatoes, pork-free spaghetti carbonara, fresh seafood, and sweet-and-tart deconstructed Pavlova dessert where mango gelato, passionfruit cream, and nuts are built into a coconut meringue bowl.
The just-opened Riviera by Jean Imbert at the Lana Hotel is more than just a place to be seen among the city’s rich and beautiful. First and foremost, go for the flawless postcard views and the pastel-hued mid-century chic setting. Stay for the superb service, table-side flair, sophisticated mixology, imaginative appetizers, and sublime main courses that successfully argue the case of why Dubai’s food scene is a standard bearer among world capitals.
Although it may seem counterintuitive to visit Dubai Mall, with its many recognizable US and European high street chains and fancy food shops rather than destinations like the Spice Souk, it is home to several standouts including Turkish restaurant Bosporous. While it’s a little more expensive than hawker stalls, Bosporous boasts a strong presence of local diners for its lovely mezze (appetizer and dip) platter, biyat (ground lamb wrapped in lavash, placed on a bed of thick labne cheese) served with spice-dusted fries and a substantial and dense take on lemonade. Non-shoppers will enjoy the multi-level Aquarium, even from the outside, while fashionistas will enjoy perusing the racks at (name of shops specific to Dubai) and a wing of the mall that’s completely dedicated to fragrances.
The Indigo Hotel Dubai Downtown is a colourful middle ground between über-opulent five-star properties and straightforward business hotels. It is designed with intention with an assist from local contemporary artists, capturing Dubai’s homegrown spirit and showcasing local artists and up-and-coming neighbourhoods with chic yet approachable décor and art pieces. Better still, it’s a 10-minute walk from the back of the property to the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai, a relatively easy walk to rapid transit (mostly indoors), and has two free shuttle rides to and from Jumeira Beach. This spirit flows into its Open Sesame, with a small but comprehensive global breakfast buffet, a great wagyu burger, exceptional coffee, and several tasty dips, salads, and snacks. The hidden treasure, however, is its “secret menu” of Indian items, including curries and idlys with spicy sambar soup for dipping.
Emirates Premium Economy: an honest review
Emirates First seats are as coveted as the cars cruising down the streets of Dubai, and the business class cabin of Emirates Airlines is the stuff of legend, with its Bulgari vanity kits, gourmet meals, delicious pyjamas, and other creature comforts. And factor in lounges that are a destination in their own right, famously including spa treatments and a Moët & Chandon champagne bar.
However, if business and first class is out of one’s budget, Premium Economy is a fine, if not perfect option, for those flying from North America or other long distances. It scores points with its superb business-class-calibre food, prime beverage offerings, diligent and cheerful flight attendants, unsurpassed selection of movies, music, and television, and comfortable seats—particularly aisle seats and those in the bulkhead.
In addition to nicely presented meals and snacks that are also fresh and tasty, there are easy-to-locate power outlets, good-sized trays for those who use the flight as work time, large video screens, technically advanced windows to block glare with precision, and a ceiling adorned with starlights. The bathrooms are well maintained, and easy-to-spot lights letting you know which ones are occupied.
There are a handful of things that could use improvement, especially when we’re looking at 15-hour flights from Los Angeles. These include more space to move to and from the window and middle seats when the lounger features are extended overnight. The square shape of the included headphones isn’t particularly comfortable, and the amenity kit packaging, while communicating the airline’s environmental initiatives, is a bit of a let-down next to premium economy kits on other carriers (though kids will love the animal designs).
