Dubai Food Festival 2019: what you shouldn't miss

  DUBAI - Dubai Food Festival (DFF) is the festival that keeps on serving... delicious food that is! With only 10 days left to go before the festival closes on March 9, here’s a list of what you need to try out over the next week at DFF:

Beachside fun at swyp Beach Canteen

DFF’s flagship event is bigger and better this year, with special zones that should not be missed! Make your way to the Food Piazza, Family Food Zone or 7UP-FIDO’s Food Truck Alley to try out a variety of food ranging from delicious burgers, wholesome Asian food and food truck favourites amongst others. Take family and friends and head to the swyp Beach Canteen Mainstage to listen to live performances or watch movies under the stars with Roxy Cinemas. Cooking enthusiasts can watch culinary professionals show off their skills at the Cooking Court, while others can visit the Instagram-worthy Uber Eats zone, sing out loud at the Lucky Voice karaoke booth at the Fun Zone, play games at the Gaming Zone, and visit other areas such as the Retail Garden for unique and fresh food products, Workshop Space, Sports Court and Kids Play Park. Other things to watch out for at swyp Beach Canteen this week are: • Fireworks. What’s a celebration without fireworks? Be sure to look at the skies on 1 March at 8:35pm for a vibrant display of colours while at swyp Beach Canteen. • Brazilian fiesta. Watch as swyp Beach Canteen gears up for a Brazilian fiesta on March 2, with colourful Latin American music and activities taking place throughout the space. • Beach barbecue. Visit weekend barbeque partner Meat Avenue on 1 and 2 March in the Fun Zone, as they’ll be grilling up a delicious beach BBQ. swyp Beach Canteen is located at Jumeirah Beach behind Sunset Mall, and will be open throughout the festival from 12pm to 10pm from Sundays to Wednesdays, 12pm to 12am on Thursdays, 10am to 12am on Fridays and 10am to 11pm on Saturdays.

Last chance to try Dubai Restaurant Week

There’s only 3 days left to try special 3-course meals at some of Dubai’s finest restaurants, as Dubai Restaurant Week concludes on March 2. There’s plenty to choose from – try Latin American cuisine at Hotel Cartagena and Argentinian dishes at Andes, relish in traditional Emirati fare at Seven Sands, pick an exquisite selection of Middle Eastern delicacies at BHAR, or enjoy modern European tastes at MINA Brasserie, Italian treats at GIA, and food from around the world at The Observatory, amongst others. Book your table now on Reserve Out!

Delight in Dubai’s Hidden Gems

Culinary excellence at affordable prices? Yes please! The city’s best culinary secrets will be announced on 2 March at swyp Beach Canteen and on dubaihiddengems.com, following which residents and visitors can try out special DFF meals priced at Dh35 per person until March 9.

Embark on a culinary adventure with Foodie Experiences

Try out a variety of unique culinary events and experiences across Dubai, including masterclasses and exclusive tasting menus among others. More information on experiences, prices and booking are available on Platinumlist.

Limited edition Coffee

Coffee lovers will be sure to love the new limited-edition coffee drinks and offers at locations across the city – make sure you visit and try out creations like the Superfood Charcoal Latte at Costa Coffee, Saffron Latte at Cupagahwa, Pistachio Latte at Saddle located in swyp Beach Canteen, or a Smoked Botanical Latte at Andes. Coffee purists can try out Qiso’s in-house single-origin organic coffee, while those looking for a twist can try Emirati coffee with 90+ coffee blends at Emirati Coffee Co., a Bounty Latte at Doh, or Es Kurma (which blends dates, freshly roasted coffee, baby coconut and milk)! If you’re looking to pair your coffee with a snack, then look no further than Boston Lane’s Doughnut Latte series that combines doughnut flavours with their signature Columbian coffee, or head to the nearest Tim Hortons outlet to grab coffee and a doughnut for only Dh10.

Dine & Win

The ‘Dine & Win’ promotion is in full swing, in partnership with Zomato and Dubai Shopping Malls Group (DSMG). Spend Dh50 while dining at participating restaurants across the city, and be in the running to win incredible prizes, including a Nissan Patrol 50 Diamond Pendants from Jawhara and 1 million prizes and promotion codes from Zomato when ordering food online.

Citywide celebrations

There are plenty more foodie activities and events across the city including: Miami Vibes: Head down to Last Exit Al Khawaneej daily throughout the festival from 3pm to 12am to enjoy delicious food, fun activities and a wonderful vibe for the entire family to enjoy. Taste your way around the World at The Pointe: From February 28 to March 2, pick up your Pointe Passport and go on a taste journey around The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah to experience diverse flavours from a variety of restaurants and cuisines. 'Dining + Show' package at La Perle: Hurry and buy your tickets now to Dubai’s best live show along with a meal before and after the performance. Starting from just Dh500 for a Gold ticket and meal, guests can choose from one of the restaurants located within the three hotels at Al Habtoor City, including Babiole, The Market, Zoco, The City Grill, Namu and BQ - French Kitchen. Vibrant flavours from the east to west at Club Vista Mare: Enjoy a culinary feast at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, with delightful waterfront dining offers including 1kg Mussels for Dh250 at Breeze Beach Grill, a Caribbean BBQ package at RAS Beach Vibes Lounge for Dh150 per person, a four-course Peruvian-Japanese menu for Dh195 per person at Aji, and a three-course set menu for Dh150 per person at Simply Italian. #WOWJBR Cravings: Head to JBR from February 28 to March 2, and witness singing and juggling chefs, as well as roaming candy and popcorn characters along the destination’s 12km long promenade. Kids and grown-ups can also attend master carving sessions and learn how to cut fruits and vegetables into decorative shapes. Experience The Art at The Beach: Check out the art of culinary at The Beach, JBR from 28 February to 11 March for a first-hand experience at decorating your food and styling your plate. Enjoy activities for adult like the plating competition on 1 & 2 March and activities for children like Sketch Your Lunch on 1 & 2 March. The Beach will also set off a wonderful display of fireworks at 9pm on 1 March. Battle of the Chefs at City Walk: Each Friday evening during the festival, the centre of City Walk will transform into a high-energy cook-off! Head down to cheer on your favourite chefs as they battle it out for the title of ‘City Walk Best Chef 2019’. A feast of fun with a side of laughs: Be amazed by the great feats of the juggling chefs, and chuckle at the antics in ‘Comedy Chefs by Aron White’ – a magical comedy show – at Mercato, from February 28 to March 2. Fun workshops are another treat for kids, as they learn how to bake create and roll their own cinnamon buns, and drawings out of pasta and rice. Cooking sessions at Children’s City: Little chefs can learn how to make their own food in a fun way in Children’s City in Creek Park with DFF’s special weekly menu through a variety of workshops and activities.

Exciting (and delicious!) visits to the mall

Take your little ones to the Organic farm workshop at Boxpark from 4pm to 9pm daily throughout DFF, or get active with Bootcamp and yoga sessions at Kite Beach from February 28 to March 2. Shopping and dining are more fun with the opportunity to win two instant Novo Cinema tickets when spending Dh250 at any of the restaurants at Dubai Festival City Mall, Dh5,000 daily at Mall of the Emirates, and Dh1,000 worth of Meraas Gift Cards to dine at Al Seef for every Dh200 spent at F&B outlets in the area. In addition, The Dubai Mall rewards families with the Kids Eat for Free offer when they dine at participating restaurants. Mirdif City Centre and City Center Me’aisem are set to transform their outdoor area for DFF, featuring a variety of F&B kiosks and activities for the entire family. Deira City Centre is also set to inspire a sense of giving back to those in need during DFF through its partnership with the Red Crescent, asking people to donate canned food bought at Carrefour. Unleash your imagination and learn to express yourself at Mall of the Emirates Mini Club House from February 27 to March 9. Children will get to experience fun activities such as plant pot painting, cupcake decorating and wooden frame making. For all movie lovers, DFF has special treats for you from now until the end of the festival on March 9. THEATRE by Rhodes at VOX Cinemas in Mall of the Emirates and Mirdif City Centre is offering a limited time promotion of 2 courses for Dh80. If you enjoy watching your movie in a Platinum Suite, get your hands on the exclusive and specially curated menu at The Dubai Mall’s Reel Cinemas for a delicious taste of luxury.

What’s happening from February 28 to March 6:

February 28 Eataly – The Dubai Mall Italian Masterclasses: Hone your cooking skills at Eataly and attend special masterclasses to make traditional Italian Pasta. miX by Alain Ducasse – The Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai Chef’s Table: Enjoy an exclusive, exquisite dinner with a view as you take in the 360-degree views of the ocean and the Dubai skyline from the Chef’s room. Atlantis, The Palm Dubai (various restaurants) Cirque du Cuisine: Embark on a culinary adventure through Atlantis, The Palm Dubai with professional entertainers, decorations and an array of sumptuous food and beverage throughout award-winning restaurants. February 28 to March 2 Studio by Tresind Tresind Studio Gourmet Table: Prepare your appetite for this 16-course culinary experience, led by Chef Himanshu Saini, which captures Tresind’s culinary journey since inception. Marina Social Restaurant Beef Wellington Masterclass: Don an apron and learn how to create this classic British dish. February 28 to March 9 Zhen Wei – Caesar’s Palace Zhen Wei Dim Sum & Noodle Masterclass: It’s a foodie dream – make your own dim sum and noodles, and then tuck into a three-course meal. The Terrace, Burj Al Arab Tacos on the Terrace: The humble taco comes in all shapes and forms – whether you prefer them al pastor, as carnitas, longaniza, cochinita, with barbacoa, or a classic chile; you can enjoy them on the terrace of the Burj Al Arab, while in the shade of its iconic sail. March 1 Armani/Deli Gourmet Italian Fest – Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa Gourmet Italian Food Fest: Take a gastronomic tour around Italy and Europe, exploring more than 50 types of cheeses along with antipasti, live pasta and risotto stations, traditional cheese and cold cut rooms, and sharing style fresh meat and seafood served to your table. The Backyard Urban Big BBQ: Enjoy cool vibes and sumptuous grills, while watching a live graffiti session featuring the artistic talents at Mawaheb from Beautiful People. March 1 to 2 Queen Elizabeth 2 Afternoon Team on the QE2 Bow: Lovers of food and history can now enjoy an Afternoon Tea on board a world-famous vessel unlocked and ready to receive passengers exclusively for Dubai Food Festival. March 1 to 6 Miyabi Sushi and Bento Sushi Master Class: Learn the art of making, rolling, cutting and serving up sushi. March 2 miX by Alain Ducasse - The Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai Pastry master class: Create classic French desserts like Paris-Brest, Fruit Vacherin and a Chocolate Tart, followed by a delicious 3-course lunch. Craft Café Ceviche master class: Learn why Chef Roberto Segura is one of Dubai’s most awarded chefs as he takes you through an authentic Peruvian Ceviche master class. Galvin Bistrot & Bar, Toro, Lima City Walk’s longest dinner table ever: It’s the perfect mix of food and vibes from three restaurants at Citywalk – all on one giant, long table! March 2, 5, 9 Mohalla – D3 Cocktail Samosa making experience: Enjoy a soulful experience with real street Indian food, followed by a 3-course set menu. March 3 an 6 Cova, The Dubai Mall Gourmand Experience at Cova by Chef Andrea Tarini: Learn how to prepare an unforgettable Italian risotto. March 3 to 5 SLAB, La Mer The World in Five Dishes: Set off on a 5-course world-inspired culinary tour – from Asia’s finest fish selection, through Europe’s fine French culinary arts, warm dishes from the Middle Eastern, and ending with South America’s finest Peruvian sweet spot. March 3 to 9 Casa de Tapas The Ultimate Spanish Fiesta Experience: Join Chef Paco at a special Chef’s table event featuring unlimited tapas and paella – and join in an introductory Flamenca dance lesson with their resident dancer. March 4 Gulf Photo Plus Foodie & Photo Tour Naif by Night | Dubai Food Festival Edition: Click a picture of your food and eat it too on this special tour, as you take in the colourful Naif neighbourhood in Old Dubai. March 4 to 6 The Meat Co – Madinat Jumeirah The Ultimate Beef Masterclass: Meat-lovers can sink their teeth into this gourmand experience, tasting steaks from all over the world. March 6 and 7 Studio by Tresind NADODI X TRESIND STUDIO: Chef Himanshu Saini teams up with Chef Sricharan Venkatesh to bring to life this 14-course tasting menu, Four Hands Pop-Up that pushes the envelope on Indian 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