Northstar

Who makes the cut? DUBAI – So you’ve travelled the world, seen various cultures, had many meals. But have you been to any of these newly minted, top 101 Best Hotel Restaurants around the World? Find out who makes the cut. It seems that the Middle Eastern cuisine gets the approval of the highly discerning palates from the judging scene. Jumeirah, global luxury hospitality group and a member of Dubai Holding announced that the Al Mahara, located in Burj Al Arab and famous for its seafood, has made it to the list. The Rib Room steakhouse in Jumeirah Emirates Towers, has also won the hearts (and stomachs) of the judges and made it on to The Daily Meal’s first annual 101 Best Hotel Restaurants Around the World list. Based in the United States, The Daily Meal is the largest and highest quality resource for food and drink information and inspiration on the web. The List, described as ‘a carefully curated collection’ of ‘the world’s most exemplary hotel feasts’, was compiled through recommendations from The Daily Meal's editors, who have travelled extensively around the world, and by consulting various trusted sources such as the Michelin Guide. The List includes restaurants from 6 continents, 40 countries and nations, and more than 80 cities. Al Mahara and The Rib Room, both located in Dubai hotels, are the only two outlets selected from the GCC, and appear next to internationally recognised hotel restaurants such as Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée Hotel (Paris) and Joel Robuchon Restaurant at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (Las Vegas). In Asia, Singapore’s Jaan at Swissôtel The Stamford is also included in the list, along with The Peninsula’s Sir Elly’s Restaurant, Bar, and Terrace in Shanghai, Huang Ting in Beijing and Felix in Hong Kong. Of art and travel BALI – Fancy an arty afternoon in the company of a noted illustrator, over a cup of coffee at a scenic location overlooking fertile paddies, lush forests and unrivalled beaches? Demystify the Balinese art of Batuan painting at Chedi Club Ubud. Art, intertwined with cultural immersion, breathtaking views and a skill to bring home to. A new form of explorative travel is in the pipeline for The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah Ubud, which lit a pathway to Bali’s heritage through its first of an ongoing series of classes showcasing the art of Batuan painting. And you’ll get the expert’s tip or two on how to create your very own Batuan art – noted illustrator Bruce Granquist will be leading ‘Art Afternoons’ which trace the history and development of the Batuan school of art, revealing links between Balinese culture and daily life and the village’s various art forms. The classes have debuted as a complement to the resort’s Explore in Style package, a new group-wide initiative from GHM that helps guests delve deeply into the customs and traditions of select regions. In Ubud, the four-night offer takes in a range of cultural excursions, including a visit to the Arma Museum, home to a large collection of works from Bali’s three schools of art. Granquist’s class at the Chedi is the first of its kind to be launched by a hospitality property in Bali. For more information, visit www.GHMhotels.com

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