Breakfast for the win
It’s the most important meal of the day, don’t you know? And after spending most of 2020 working from home, a lot of us got used to kick-starting our day with brekkie (soggy cereal counts, right?). But if you’re looking to up your breakfast game, you’ll have no problem doing so in Abu Dhabi – from brilliant breakfast sarnies to the ever-so-popular avo’ on toast, the breakfast scene here in the city is booming. So, how do you like your eggs in the morning?
And one of our favourite spots for breakfast in Abu Dhabi?
tashas – we’re not sure if there’s a more popular breakfast spot than this one and when you see the stunning outdoor terrace, with chilled vibes and buzzing atmosphere, you’ll understand why there’s a queue. Any breakfast worth waiting for must be worth waiting for, right?
Al Bateen (02 445 0890).
Chef collabs
Four hands, six hands, eight hands… Chef collaborations are one of the biggest food trends for 2021 and we’re certainly not complaining. Some of the best chefs in the city coming together for a one-off dining experience, combining their unique styles and expertise to create some seriously stunning (and sometimes “never seen before”) dishes? The perfect recipe, some might say… We’ve already seen some big name collabs happen over recent months and they show no sign of slowing down anytime soon. We can’t wait to see some new up-and-comers rising to stardom through these platforms.
When’s the next chef collaboration?
Keep an eye on timeoutabudhabi.com/restaurants to be the first to know.
Cloud kitchens
Another 2021 trend that’s evolved from the aftermath of 2020: cloud kitchens. If you’re not familiar with the term, a cloud kitchen (sometimes also referred to as a “dark” kitchen or “ghost” kitchen) is essentially cover-all term for delivery-only food concepts or kitchens, and the practice of outsourcing a restaurant’s delivery meal creation to a third-party team. It’s a love-them-or-hate-them notion, with some controversy around whether they’re actually good for the independent restaurant scene long term, though switching to them helped some of the UAE’s indie operations survive a tough few months last summer.
What’s on the menu?
Mama Rita – the brainchild of mother-daughter duo Rita and Jessica Kahawaty, the delivery-only restaurant serves up comforting, home-style dishes including beetroot hummus, vegetarian lasagne and beef stroganoff.
www.mamarita.com.
Crypto currency and NFTs
Just the thought of cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens, basically virtual property, anything from art to sneakers) is enough to boggle the mind, but like many of the 2021 trends on this list, the burgeoning importance of financial security and making smart investments is yet another outcome of 2020. Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash (and no, that’s not the same as Bitcoin) – the list goes on – are huge at the moment. And we mean huge. Looking to get started but have no idea where or how to begin your NFT empire? CoinBase (a secure platform where you can buy, sell, and store cryptocurrency) is a good place to start along with a read of ArabianBusiness.com’s Money section, which has a whole patch of expertise on alternative assets.
Fashion face masks
Remember thinking that masks were a temporary inconvenience? Oh, those were the days. Face masks are now the norm and it looks like we’re going to be wearing them for a while so why not upgrade and invest in some fashion-forward (and eco-friendly) options? From leopard to floral print (a top choice for spring) to masks made from breathable cotton and silk, the options are endless. It’s official: medical masks are out and fashion masks are in.
Get them at…
Nadia Loves sells silk, cotton and satin fashion face masks in a range of colours. Set up by UAE-based Nadia Budwa, the chic masks are now stocked in salons and studios across the emirates and are also available via the Nadia Loves online store.
nadialoves.zbni.co.
Smart sunnies
We have smartphones, smart watches, smart home devices (Alexa, tell me a joke…) but what next? Sunnies with a soundtrack? Smart sunglasses are all the rage for 2021 and the fashion-forward specs won’t just have you looking like the boss you are – they also function like headphones. Functionality meets fashion? Sounds like the future to us. If only your colleagues knew you were secretly listening to your favourite podcast…
Our top smart sunglasses pick for 2021
Boss it with Bose (we’re all for the cat-eye Sopranos).
Dhs1,049. bose.ae.
Pastel hues
After what can only be described as a bleak 2020, soft pastel shades are here to keep us calm for 2021. Baby blues and pinks, lilacs, cool minty greens, and summery shades of yellow – pastels are one of the biggest fashion trends at the moment. Associated with joy, optimism, and lightness, the sofa shades suit pretty much all skin tones and most high-street shops are awash with pastel furnishings and attire in all shapes and sizes.
Get your pastel fashion fix at…
Monki. With a strong focus on body positivity and sustainability, the Swedish fashion chain offers clothing at affordable prices and its SS 2021 collection is all about – you guessed it – pastels.
monki.com.
Supporting local
If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that we all have a responsibility in supporting local entrepreneurs and home-grown businesses. Like many other industries, the food and beverage scene in particular was hit hard by the adjustments made to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and in 2020 thousands of employees in the Abu Dhabi hospitality industry were affected by the suspension of or reductions in business. But we’re in 2021 now and we at Time Out love local. We live for it. And that’s why we’ll always champion the local scene here in the capital.
Where to check out this week
Inspired by the luxe beach holiday destination of Montauk in New York, Montauk Boutique Café & Restaurant is Abu Dhabi’s newest home-grown restaurant. With a menu of home-style dishes that have been created by the restaurant’s Emirati owner and founder, chef Mariam Al Mansoori it’s one to get on your radar.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Bateen (02 546 6255).
Sustainability
You don’t have to be a Greta Thunberg fan to understand the importance of leading a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle. From saying no to plastic cutlery, straws, bags and bottles (you get it) to shopping from eco-friendly brands, doing your part when it comes to recycling, avoiding food waste, upcycling and more, there are plenty of ways to lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Go on, do your part.
How to get involved
Check into Jumeriah at Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s eco-friendly resort. The hotel, which has continued to champion sustainability since opening in the capital in 2018, makes a conscious effort to be as eco-friendly as possible.
jumeirah.com (02 811 4444).
Thrifting
You don’t have to be watching your dirhams to love a bargain but after 2020 (pay cuts and redundancies – meh), you’re not alone if you’ve been cutting down on unnecessary purchases. What’s more, shopping second-hand is a two-way process: not only is it good for your wallet – it’s good for the environment, too. Double win. Save cash and the planet with a good old rummage for second-hand clothes, toys, gifts, and furniture at cut prices. It’s time to leave fast fashion in 2020 and move towards a more thrifty 2021.
Shop second-hand right here
The Luxury Closet is the biggest luxury marketplace in the Middle East and distributes pre-loved designer items to new owners. The online boutique sells pre-loved luxury items like handbags, clothes, watches and jewellery from top luxury brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Rolex – to name a few.
theluxurycloset.com.
