Fair (2007–2010). Unfortunately, the fair
has been suspended (at least temporarily).
ayyaM Gallery Gallery
Map p216 (%04-439 2390; http://www.ayyamgallery
.com; bldg 3, Gate Village) Another exciting
new gallery showcasing primarily local art-
ists from the UAE and Middle East. Exhibi-
tions typically change bi-monthly – check
the website for an update.
5 Eating
The tower hotels lining the sheikh Zayed
rd strip are the representative core
of contemporary dubai� dinner here
positions you well to travel elsewhere
afterwards, but with so many nearby
hotels, bars and nightclubs, you may as
well stick around� but good luck crossing
the road: there’s only one pedestrian
overpass� Take a taxi, instead�
5 Downtown Dubai
asado arGenTinian $$$
Map p216 (%04-428 7971; palace – The old
Town, emaar blvd; mains Dh110-290; h7pm-
midnight) Meat lovers will be in bovine
heaven at this cheerful, lusty steakhouse.
Choose your quality cut of tenderloin, veal
chop, rib eye or sirloin from a tray brought
to your table by servers clad gaucho-style.
While it’s being cooked to order, sit back
and savour the delicious bread, the views of
the Burj Khalifa (sit on the terrace) and the
sultry tunes from the live band. All meats
are served with a selection of delicious
sauces, salts and mustards. A sommelier
stands by to help you pick the perfect bottle
from what is purportedly the most exten-
sive selection of Argentinian wines in the
Middle East. Reservations recommended.
baKer & spice inTernaTional $$
Map p216 (www.bakerandspiceme.com; Souq al-
bahar, Sheikh Zayed rd; mains Dh48-85, salad
bar Dh54) Chunky wood furniture, a warm
ochre-and-pale-green colour scheme, rows
of white orchids and a novel fruit and veg
display over the bar set the scene for one of
the best healthy-eating options in the city.
The menu reflects what is in season and in-
corporates organic local produce, whenever
possible. The salad bar, one of the best in
town, has a set price choice of four dishes.
Typical mains are wild prawns and mush-
room linguine, and scallops with a beet-
root and orange salad and pomegranate
dressing. You can also buy jarred organic
goodies, including preserves.riVinGTon Grill b riTiSh $$
Map p216 (%04-423 0903; http://www.rivingtongrill
.ae; Souq al-bahar, Sheikh Zayed rd; mains
Dh85-140) If you’re planning a dinner here,
call ahead to snag a table on the candle-
lit terrace overlooking the fountains. The
grub is deliciously upmarket Brit: beef
Wellington, smoked haddock fishcakes,
Lancashire hotpot and bubble and squeak
together with poshed-up mushy peas.
There is also a classic (Sunday) roast served
on Saturday. Reservations recommended.hoi an VieTnaMeSe $$$
Map p216 (%04-343 8888; Shangri-la hotel,
Sheikh Zayed rd; mains Dh100-140; h7pm-
midnight) Teak latticework, plantation shut-
ters and spinning wooden ceiling fans
evoke a très civilisé colonial-era Vietnam
at this upmarket restaurant, where the
flavours are lively and bright. Start with
the crispy crab rolls, then move on to the
signatures: lotus-leaf-wrapped sea bass
with ginger-lemon sauce, or a spicy chicken
and lemongrass stir-fry. A great date spot,
thanks to deliciously low lighting and gen-
teel service. Reservations recommended.ThipTara Thai $$$
Map p216 (%04-428 7961; palace – The old
Town, emaar blvd; mains Dh90-190, set menus
from Dh250; h7pm-midnight) Thiptara wows
with its romantic setting in a lakeside
pagoda, with front-row views of the Burj
Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. The food’s
just as impressive, with elegant interpre-
tations of classic Thai dishes, although
portions are small and the final bill can be
quite steep. The chef grows his own herbs,
which perk up such dishes as green-papaya
salad and beef in spicy brown sauce with
on-the-vine peppercorns. Alas, the interior
is too austere (sit on the deck), but excep-
tional cooking and solicitous service by
the all-Thai staff make up for it. Reserva-
tions essential.huKaMa Chine Se $$$
Map p216 (%04-436 8888; address Downtown
Dubai, emaar blvd; mains Dh80-160; h6-11pm)
A dramatic high-ceilinged dining room,s
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