TEA TALK: (Clockwise) Asian High Tea at Shangri-La; teatime at Vesna; tea-flavoured sandwiches at Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Over a cuppa
Picture this - Rainbow-hued macarons, good ol' wheat cookies, and melt-in-the-mouth chocolate muffins. Crackers with cheese toppings and chicken pies. Earl grey, black, green, rose or mint - a tempting range of tea flavours. Afternoon teatime in Dubai looks like this. Who said meeting over tea was old-fashioned? Join us for a cup.  
Vesna, Conrad Hotel (043528169), invites you to take some time off in the afternoon (weekdays, 3pm to 6pm) and enjoy their enchanting afternoon tea set menu (For Dh150 person). Take your pick from refreshing ginger and lemon mint tea or the delightful geisha blossom. While at it, snack on tiny burgers, cupcakes with icing, bruschetta, and more. The high tea (daily, 1pm to 6pm) spread at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai (044052703) calls for a visit. BBQ Chicken Buns with Sesame, Asian Crab and Slaw, Squid Ink Tiger Rolls, Peking Duck and Foie Gras Truffles, as well as Tom Yum Lobster Spring Rolls and Vietnamese Tuna Tartar Cones. There is a choice of desserts too - Yuzu and Tonka Bean Macarons, and three kinds of scones (Five Spice and Fruit, Coconut and Traditional) served with clotted cream. As for tea, choose from a variety of Oriental flavours. No wonder, they're calling this offering an 'East meets West' Asian High Tea (For Dh135 per person).
 Sofitel Dubai Downtown's (045036111) afternoon tea is available in La Patisserie (3pm to 6pm, hotel's lobby) and it includes a selection of tea-flavoured sandwiches like smoked salmon with matcha green tea jam; tomato, mozzarella and Touareg tea jam; red fruit tea jelly and foie gras and Lapsang souchong tea jam with smoked duck. Don't leave without biting into the sweets that include green tea macaroons and raisin and Earl Grey tea scones. (For Dh199 for two people)
Reserve a table, slip into the best of your teatime wear and indulge.
A meal for the shopaholics
During the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) we live by the adage - shop till you drop. And if you do too, then join us as we dine at (after a long day of picking up the best items on sale) Mint Leaf of London, Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC (047060900). The chefs at the Indian restaurant have created a special menu for shoppers including delicacies like Prawn Makhani, Beetroot Pudina Tikki, Murgh Tikka Lazeez, and Amritsari Paneer Masala. For desserts, indulge in Mango Chocolate Mousse, Rasmalai or Gulab Jamun. What could be better than a good meal after a fulfilling day at the mall!
Savoury yogurt
In 2017, sweet yogurt will become passé for, we'll be inspired by the Greek, Turkish and Iranian foodies and indulge in spoonfuls of savoury yogurt. Think carrot, sweet potato and beetroot yogurt. "They're a great mid-afternoon snack, morning breakfast option or post-workout recovery snack to get that savoury fix. Full-fat Greek yoghurt is the best option, it keeps people satisfied for longer, is a great way to boost protein levels, and has that satisfying creamy texture, just watch the portion size -120g is enough," says Helen McLeod Dodd, a UAE-based nutritionist and lifestyle consultant.
Pre-opera indulgence
Located just a stone's throw away from the Dubai Opera House - Tesoro, Taj Dubai (Business Bay, 044383111), has come up with a three-course pre-Opera menu. Diners can experience starters including iconic dishes such as Burrata, Quinoa and Goat's Cheese Salad or Rock Shrimp Tempura and main courses like Gnocchi with Burrata Emulsion, Miso Black Cod and Carbon Lamb Chops. Dessert is one to indulge in, Chocolate fondue and Cinnamon Churros for the table to share. The hotel will also provide a one-way complimentary drop to the Opera House for up to four people.
Insta gratification
YOUR HEART WILL 'BEET' FOR THIS ONE: Tiny spheres stuffed with vegetables and cheese - topped with beetroot foam. They look pretty and taste yummy, sample the dish at SpiceKlub, Mankhool, Dubai.
Ruchi Kamble (@ruchikamble)
Popcorn Delivery
Movie nights at home just got more fun. No longer, do you have to get up in the middle of a film to make (or eat) microwave popcorns. For, Garrett Popcorn Shops will bring gourmet popcorn to your doorstep (Dubai and Abu Dhabi). What's more you can order the snack for up to 20 people (five jumbo bags)! If it's just you and your partner, then indulge in the Bundle for Two (three smalls bags). Other than plain popcorns, you can sample flavours like Cheese Corn, Buttery or Almond/Cashew/Pecan/Macadamia Caramel Crisp. You can also send over a popcorn tin as a gift to a loved one with a personlised gift tag.
Available all seven days (10am to 8pm), just dial 0564425361

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